3 Areas where India cannot afford to fail in the World Cup 2019

As the World Cup is nearing, each team is finding the correct balance before it begins. At present, India is looking almost ready with their playing XI. They had two good successful ODI series in Australia and New Zealand.

However, there are areas where India cannot afford to fail.

Batting considerably dependent on top three batsmen

India is heavily dependent on its top three in batting. If they fail, chances of losing that match increases as we saw in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. If such a situation arises, then Ambati Rayudu’s innings becomes crucial. He is the player who has consistently performed better and handled such a situation professionally as he played in the final ODI against New Zealand.

In this match, India was 12/2 when he arrived at the crease. India later finished with a respectable score of 252 due to Rayudu’s innings of 90 runs along with some important contribution from lower middle order batsmen.

England in recent times has prepared flat tracks where the batsman’s role becomes pivotal. Scoreboard goes past 350 or sometimes even 400. Therefore, it would be important for India that their top three bats major part of the innings, which will make it easier for their bowlers.

Early wickets in first 10 overs while bowling

Furthermore, while bowling, it will be important that Indian seamers pick at least two wickets in the first ten overs. This will help in creating a good base for the spin bowlers and increase pressure on the opposition. Creating such pressure on the opposition can help in restricting them to a low total, which will make the chase easier for the batsmen. Indian seamers have been doing this successfully, which makes India a tough side to beat.

Correct selection of playing XI and calculative rotation of middle order

There could be a stage in the World Cup, where India may have to play five proper bowlers. Therefore, it will force them to exclude someone like Hardik Pandya or Kedar Jadhav. Further, in such a situation India would be one batsman short. At that point in time, it would be important that the correct team is selected.

Moreover, while batting India has the option of changing their batting order as per the situations. If wickets have fallen early, then someone like Dhoni must bat up the order. However, if only three of four wickets have fallen and 8-10 overs are left, then a batsman like Hardik Pandya must be sent up the order.

My Probable Indian Team for the World Cup 2019

India is still searching their backup opener and the fourth seam bowler. As per the team picked for the ODI series against Australia, KL Rahul could be that backup opener. Further, selectors have selected Siddharth Kaul and Umesh Yadav. The former is selected for T20Is and first two ODIs and the latter is selected only for the T20I series.

Therefore, it will be between these two and Khaleel Ahmed, who will grab the spot as the fourth seamer for the World Cup. Selectors may also fill these two spots based on IPL performances if not satisfied with their performances in this series.

Therefore, my Indian team for the World Cup is:

1. Virat Kohli (C)
2. Rohit Sharma (VC)
3. Shikhar Dhawan
4. Ambati Rayudu
5. MS Dhoni (WK)
6. Kedar Jadhav
7. Hardik Pandya
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohammed Shami
12. Yuzvendra Chahal
13. Dinesh Karthik
14. KL Rahul/Vijay Shankar/Rishabh Pant
15. Khaleel Ahmed/Siddharth Kaul/Umesh Yadav

Now, What’s yours?

Post your team in the comment section below!

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