ICC World Cup 2019: Analysis of Team India's Playing XI
Virat Kohl-led India go into the ICC World Cup 2019 as one of the favorites to clinch the title. On Monday, the BCCI had announced the 15-member squad for the mega event. India will be out to dominate the opponents and a lot depends on how the Playing XI shapes up. Here we analyze the same and decode what could be India's Playing XI.
World Cup: India's likely Playing XI
India's likely Playing XI for World Cup: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (captain), Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
India have a world class top three
The top order is where the strength of this side lies. Rohit and Dhawan are seasoned openers, who have stitched partnerships and have 4,586 runs as a pair. They are probably the best openers, right now. 30-year-old Kohli is ruling world cricket and he was the highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2017 and 2018. The three batsmen have what it takes to power India.
Is Shankar the weak link at number four?
Shankar got the nod ahead of Ambati Rayudu as the selectors stated that he is a three dimensional player. Shankar, who has the talent in him, lacks experience. Now handling the much debated number four could test his character. Can he produce the match-winning innings on a regular basis? He will need to deliver to repay the faith shown in him by the selectors.
Dhoni, Jadhav and Pandya are genuine match-winners
India's middle order will revolve around the services of veteran wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni. The former India skipper has been phenomenal in 2019 with the bat. He can bring in the desired solidity to help the side win close games. Jadhav is another match-winner and can produce the finishing touches. At number seven we have all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who can accelerate at the death.
The bowling unit promises variety
Kuldeep is the main spinner in this side and his application would be vital. He will have Jadhav to support him in the spin department. The left-arm wrist-spinner has dictated the show in the last two years. Pacer Bhuvneshwar will look to use the English conditions in his favor. Joining him is in-form pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Shami. It's a strong unit on offer.
A look at the variety in bowling with this XI
In total, India can use up to seven bowlers if they go with this XI. Pandya is the fourth seamer in the side. Shankar needs to work hard to make sure the team gets a couple from him.
