Virat Kohli-led team India have a “brilliant chance” to win upcoming World Cup 2019, Majority of the Indian players who are part of the 15-man World Cup 2019 squad have performed reasonably well for their franchises in IPL 2019 and it is one of the reasons why the national team will definitely qualify for the last four stage of the mega event of world cricket.
The trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have scored runs in abundance for their respective franchises in the lucrative tournament, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya contributing superbly with both bat and ball and in a majestic touch.
World Cup 2019 is scheduled to start on May 30 in England and Wales.
The Indian team is currently ranked second in ODI rankings, only behind England, and have been touted as one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy.
Strengths of Team India:
SQUAD STRENGTH : Strong enough squad for flawless performance
Top- order
A world class top order
The first strength that we have is a world-class top-order. Starting with the pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, the duo could give the perfect start to the innings. In limited overs cricket Rohit is a genuine match winner, with his extraordinary skills he can change the course of a match single handedly. On the other side there is Shikhar who is a real gem for team India in ODI cricket especially in ICC tournaments.
However, he needs to improve his communication skills with Rohit in the middle, as both are prone to run-outs.
At number three, it is skipper Virat Kohli himself, who can bat freely with anyone. Nothing much is required to describe about the brilliance of this master batsman of modern era.
All-rounders
A packed all-round department
The all-round department is packed with supreme superstars. As of now Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav have the best chance of playing in the XI, courtesy their fine performance in the international assignments. Pandya who is turning out to be a real match winner for team India has notably, had enjoyed a good outing in England during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Kedar is very dependable with bat and can bowl some crucial overs in the middle with his unorthodox action which is still difficult for some batsmen to read. Further, Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar can be the perfect back up options, depending on the conditions.
A bagful of bowling options
JB and Kuldeep
Indian bowling attack is not lagging behind, as it that has several weapons in the arsenal. Depending on the conditions, India have the freedom to pick the right choice of bowling attack. The biggest strength in this attack would be the services of chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, and the pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah.
Kuldeep can fox the batsmen with his stock deliveries and wrong-uns. While JB can change the match at the death against any opponent with his supreme skill and sheer brilliance.
Additional Strengths:
Priceless Dhoni
The priceless services of veteran MS Dhoni behind the stumps
One of India’s biggest strengths would be the valuable services of veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. MSD is a blessing for team India. His vast experience of reading the match situation in crucial moments can change the course of any match. He is an added advantage to the brilliant captaincy of Virat.
Dhoni is best known for his perfect work behind the stumps, which would once again be crucial in this tournament. Apart from that, Dhoni’s outstanding form with the bat in the recently concluded IPL is a positive sign that he is ready to make an impact in England.
Bhuvi’s form can impact India’s chances
Without any doubt, India go in as one of the favorites to win the title. However, the questionable form of certain key players in the IPL, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar can impact India’s chances. Bhuvi has not been at his best for quite some time. Although English conditions are likely to suit him but in case his performance doesn’t improve, India can be in trouble.
Middle order
No clarity about number four batsman
In the current scenario team India’s problem lies in the middle-order, specifically the number four batting position. Even after the selectors announced the 15-member squad, there is no clarity on who would bat at number four. This is an important role and lack of an experienced batsman can put in extra pressure on the top three. MSD can be a great option for this slot. With his cool and calm mindset he can absorb the pressure and can carry forward the innings with his partner. So it is up to the team management to whom they are choosing for this position depending on the real match scenario.
Powerhitters
By ignoring Rishabh Pant, India might have missed a trick
India’s wicket keeping is in super safe hands as MSD is there who is known for his supreme and smart glovework behind stumps. He is really a champion hitter and supreme finisher but in recent times these abilities has decreased to some extent. He also has another veteran as his backup, in the form of Dinesh Karthik, who can be equally good in both departments. But in the recent times slogging is largely dependent Hardik.
However, we believe that dropping Rishabh Pant could prove costly since the young batsman has the ability and brilliance to play big strokes and finish off games.
Verdict
India strong contenders to reach the final
India do have a balanced side. Further, as said above, the advantage India will have the most is the freedom to choose players based on the venue and opposition. But team India needs to keep this fact in mind that England is playing in their home soil and this team is in red hot form in limited overs cricket in the recent past. Though Australia’s recent form is not so encouraging but they know very well how to perform in big stages as they are the world champions. So these two teams are real competitors for team India.
With the Indian side boasting of experience and top skills, it would surely be a monumental task for the other sides to stop them.
So there are high possibilities of an outstanding performance of team India in CWC 2019 and they are clear favorites to at least reach the final.
Let’s see…
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