IPL will have no impact on India's World Cup selection
India are set to face Australia from March 2 onwards. It is their last ODI series ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, which is scheduled to begin from May 30 onwards in England and Wales. Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League starts from March 23 onwards and skipper Virat Kohli said that it will have no impact on the World Cup squad.
India have almost decided their World Cup squad
India have almost decided on the slots for the World Cup barring a few. The five-match ODI series against Australia will give the management and the selectors a clearer picture regarding the 15-member squad. There are a couple of players fighting for berths at the moment. Kohli has stated that they need to be clear about the World Cup squad before the IPL starts.
Kohli opens up on the team selection for World Cup
"Before we head into the IPL, we need to be absolutely clear of what team we want for the World Cup. If one or two players don't have a good IPL season, it doesn't mean that they are out of the picture," said Kohli.
Pant and Rahul the main focus for the ODI series
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul need to impress the management and the selectors in the series against Australia. Both of them are fighting for places in India's World Cup squad and this series serves as a perfect platform to gain attention. Back-up opener Rahul took his chances well in the recently concluded T20Is. Pant suffered with the bat on both occasions against Australia.
Crucial for India to decide on squad earlier: Our take
It was always crucial for India to settle on the team they want ahead of the IPL. The T20 League should have no bearing whatsoever. Even the players in standby for the World Cup should be decided before hand.
India's matches in 2019 WC - Dates and venue
June 5: India vs South Africa (Southampton). June 9: India vs Australia (The Oval). June 13: India vs New Zealand (Nottingham). June 16: India vs Pakistan (Manchester). June 22: India vs Afghanistan (Southampton). June 27: India vs West Indies (Manchester). June 30: England vs India (Birmingham). July 2: India vs Bangladesh (Birmingham). July 6: India vs Sri Lanka (Leeds).
