India’s surprise package at the ICC World Cup 2019
In just a few months from now, India will embark on their journey to bring the prestigious ICC World Cup trophy back in India. Going by their current form, they look ready for the challenge and certainly, appear to be a strong contender to win the high-intensity tournament this summer in England.
Consequently, every team around the world will prepare their strategy to register a win against India. Considering the consistent exceptional performances, over the past couple of years by India’s top order batsman – ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma, ‘Gabbar’ Shikhar Dhawan and ‘King’ Virat Kohli, they will be on the bowlers’ hit list. At the same time, batsman around the world will equip themselves against India’s latest bowling sensation Jaspreet Bumrah and spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, affectionately titled ‘Kul-Cha’.
So, while the teams invest their energies on the obvious impact players, there are few very dangerous players that may just slip in the under the opponents’ radar and have a massive bearing on the game.
Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu may not possess a lot of experience at the international arena however has been a heavy scorer in the domestic circuit. Up until today, with his limited opportunities, he has not set the world on fire but every once in a while, showed a glimpse of his quality. In all possibilities, he will play as India’s No.4 at the world cup and if his recent magnificent performances are anything to go by, the old horse certainly has everything to turn the game around for India.
Hardik Pandya
Ever since, the legend Kapil Dev retired, India has been desperately searching for a genuine fast bowling all-rounder to give the much-needed balance to the side. Over the years, India pinned their hopes on several players like Ajit Agarkar, JP Yadav, Stuart Binny, Joginder Sharma, Irfan Pathan but either they could not continue their domestic excellence in the international arena or their performance fizzled away after a short while. Recently, Team India have discovered another individual with excellent all-around abilities and over the past couple of years, have invested heavily in this very youngster ‘Hardik Pandya’. Fortunately, he has responded well and has shown consistent improvement in his game. Nowadays, he has been bowling consistently 6-7 overs a game at a decent economy rate and clinching a wicket or two. At the same time, he has been smashing the ball around the park, especially at the later stages of the game, giving the perfect end to the inning. Not only, his presence gives support to already lethal Indian bowling attack but also, gives depth to the strong batting line up. With his all-around ability, he may just be a turnaround to the ‘player’ for the team this world cup.
Mohammed Shami
After the injury last ICC World Cup 2015, Mohammed Shami was completely down and out. However, today, fortunately for Team India, he seemed to have regained his lost touch. With new bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and very consistent Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, India was consistently searching for a very important 3rd seam option. A bunch of bowlers was given the opportunities - Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Yadav, Shardul Thakur, however, the rejuvenated Shami stood out with his pace and consistency. Now, with every game, he is only getting better and better and with his abilities to swing the ball, he may just end up being the highest wicket-taker for India at the ICC World Cup 2019.
They may not have proven their real worth yet but they certainly have the right attitude and possess a lot of potentials to win the games for India. Without a doubt, the obvious key players will have a very important role to Team India’s success at the ICC World Cup 2019 but these players may just surprise the world with their talent and bring the trophy to India for the 3rd time.