IPL 2019: Four players for whom this season can be make or break before the World Cup
Over the years, IPL has become an important stepping stone in Indian cricketers' journey to the highest level. There are players that have been awarded national call ups based on their IPL performances. However, this year's IPL has become all the more significant because of the fact that it is going to be followed by the biggest competition in cricket, the World Cup.
With just over two months left, the squads of the teams have been more or less finalized. However, the Indian middle-order is still looking quite shaken. With a slew being given chances over the last two years, none of them has gone on to cement their place in the playing XI.
India is still looking for players who can consolidate in case of a top-order collapse as well as consolidate with some big hitting in the death overs. With MS Dhoni not being at his destructive best, the onus has remained on the top 3 to score the majority of runs.
There are players who have shone in parts but the impact performances have thus far, remained elusive. If India are to repeat their glory of 2011, they have to have players of the mold of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina.
With each team having to play all the other teams in the league stage, the batting is going be seriously tested. Expecting the top order to fire in every single game would be naive. Even a player like Kohli can have a bad day.
That's what makes this IPL all the more significant for players vying for spots in the middle order for this world. Let's have a look at 4 such players for whom this IPL can be a ticket to their World Cup dreams.
#4 Ambati Rayudu
The Hyderabad born batsman is certainly not the luckiest of cricketers. Known to be a young prodigy, Ambati Rayudu couldn't quite achieve those heights in international cricket. Incidents like an alternative career in the ICL and feuds with state association have plagued his career.
However, the last two years have been quite productive for Rayudu. An unsettled Indian middle-order needed a workhorse like player who could consolidate in the middle overs and Rayudu is known to play that role really well.
The right-handed batsman holds a good average in ODIs but acceleration in the last few overs has been an issue for him. The best bet for Rayudu in the lineup is at No. 4.
Rayudu's chances of being in starting XI were good until the last two series. His form has dipped drastically in the last few games and IPL is the only platform left before the World Cup for him to push his case for a place in the starting XI.
A good season of IPL may put Rayudu ahead of others in the pecking order.