2019 World Cup: India's top-order is key to their success
What's the story
The Indian cricket team goes into the ICC World Cup as one of the hot favorites to clinch the title. The Virat Kohli-led side has depth and quality in the ranks. Interestingly, for the first time in the history of tournament, India's bowling can be considered as the best among the participating teams. Yet, we think India's top-order will headline this campaign. Here's why.
Top order
India's top-order has quality written all over it
Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kohli will handle the top order duties. The three batsmen have been India's main strength in ODI cricket over the last few years. The form of these three batsmen will determine India's destiny in the World Cup. Providing depth is the in-form KL Rahul. The Karnataka batsman can provide solidity if needed. India's top-order looks well settled.
Openers
Rohit and Dhawan are the best openers in town
Rohit and Dhawan, as openers, have been superb in the last few seasons. They provide the shield in setting the base. Rohit usually goes on to play the long innings, which will allow Dhawan to start aggressively. The two can change their roles as well and shift gears. Both scored at will in 2018. Overall, they have amassed 4,586 runs as a pair.
Kohli
Run-machine Kohli is at another level
Kohli at number three is a run-machine. He hardly sets a foot wrong and thrives under pressure. The 30-year-old is known for scoring hundreds on a regular basis. He is also a master while chasing targets. Kohli has been on song this year and the run-scoring form has continued from 2017-18. He looks confident and the understanding he shares with the openers is crucial.
Information
Indian team owes its success to these three batsmen
Since 2015, India's success has largely been due to these three players. They have stitched solid partnerships and went on to lay the foundation on most occasions. The English pitches would assist batting and if these three fire, India can bring the World Cup home.