With the Champions Trophy just concluded, India will look to ride on that wave of confidence after making the final. Despite disappointingly losing against Pakistan, India will be buoyed by the fact that the team is strong and ready to face any opposition.
There are certain players who will play for sure in the 2019 World Cup. However, some need to be groomed and trained to be fit for the biggest event in cricket. Here are five cricketers who stand a good chance:
KL Rahul:
Rahul is one of those players who has excellent temperament to play in the biggest stage. Though out with injury, he has cemented his place in the Test squad and is the third opener in the ODI squad. He has shown his class and scored centuries at home and abroad and can adapt however required for any format of the game.
Rahul can also act as a keeper when required and is an excellent asset to the team. He is definitely someone who should play the World Cup if fit.
Rishabh Pant:
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is a real rough diamond and if groomed the right way, he can trouble bowlers the world over. If Dhoni decides to step down before the World Cup then Pant will be the first choice for keeping.
Pant is a talented and powerful hitter of the ball and is still only 19 years of age. He may not be a Dhoni but certainly has the temperament to play in the biggest stage.
Manish Pandey:
Another talent who seems to have found some excellent form off-late, Pandey was unfortunate to miss out on the Champions League due to injury. He can back himself up and play a crucial innings when required and is sure to relish the opportunity if given the chance.
Pandey is also a good fielder and a good middle order batsman who can play anywhere and in any style required. He can also finish games on his own and that is crucial in the World Cup.
Yuzvendra Chahal:
Not someone’s first pick when it comes to spinners, Chahal has the ability to pick up wickets when required and trouble the batsmen. He has been crucial for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Haryana domestic team.
When given the opportunity to don Indian colours, Chahal has shown his talent by picking up 6 wickets in the series versus England.
Ajinkya Rahane:
Despite being a regular starter for the Indian team, Rahane has not been able to nail down a spot. There is no doubt over his class as a batsman and he has it in him to belong at the world stage in ODIs. Rahane just needs to work on his technique.
He is a very useful batsman anywhere in the order and a world-class fielder and athlete. Certainly someone who has a good chance of playing the World Cup.
