3 Indian batsmen who can solve India's middle order woes in the World Cup 2019

The Cricket World Cup is less than one year away and India is preparing diligently for the grand tournament. Currently, the Men in Blue are on an England tour, which is important for the team. The World Cup will be held in England, so this tour will be beneficial for the Indian players as they will have a comprehension of the English conditions.

Currently, India is the number two ODI team in the world just behind England. India just finished the 3-match ODI series against England but lost the series by 1-2 margin. However, one of the major concerns of the current Indian team is in the middle order. They are lacking a consistent and dependable middle-order batsman. Though India have tried a few talented batsmen, nobody has been quite convincing yet.

The top order of Indian batting line-up is stupendous. The opening pair of Dhawan-Rohit is certainly successful in limited overs and they have been opening for a long period of time. Furthermore, Indian captain Virat Kohli bats in the number 3 slot, who is probably the best ODI batsman of this era.

But the middle order batting issue is a headache for the skipper Virat Kohli nowadays. Therefore, if India wants to win the World Cup, the Men in Blue need to find the best suitable player in the middle order.

Here we discuss 3 players who can be good inclusions in the middle order

#3 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

Pant is one of the best young players in India now. The 20-year-old wicket-keeper batsman is regarded as the future long-term successor of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pant first came into the limelight during the U19 Cricket World Cup, which was held in 2016. Eventually, he made his senior India debut against England in a T20I match last year.

This year, Pant had an incredible IPL season, where he played for the Delhi Daredevils. The youngster was the second highest run-getter of the season and scored 684 runs in 14 matches.

He also hit most numbers of fours and sixes of the IPL this year. Presently, Pant is in England as he was selected for the Test series. Given his current form, he can be a great option in the Indian middle order if he can continue his impressive form. Team India will get a reliable, talented batsman in the middle order in Pant.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

Karthik is an improved batsman who can provide India stability in the middle order. The 33-year-old batsman has shown a great improvement in his batting lately and he can be a top choice for the Indian middle order. Moreover, if he gets picked for the World Cup next year, his immense experience will be indispensable for the Men in Blue.

Meanwhile, Karthik is also a wicketkeeper-batsman like Pant and he made his international ODI debut in 2004 against England. MS Dhoni's rise had kept him in the shadows for years but his excellent domestic cricket form has allowed him to get back in the Indian team. He has scored 1496 ODI runs for India in 79 matches. However, he came into the limelight earlier this year, where he scored 29 runs in just 8 balls against Bangladesh and his last ball six helped India to win the Nidahas Trophy.

Additionally, Karthik had a notable IPL season this year where he led the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR qualified for the playoffs under his leadership and he scored 498 runs with an average of 49.80.

Consequently, the selectors should consider Karthik in the middle order at the World Cup. He can play a significant role in the Indian batting line up because of his consistency and experience.

#1 KL Rahul

KL Rahul

KL Rahul is certainly the best contender to lead the Indian middle order in the World Cup. The 26-year-old right-handed batsman is a regular member of India's squad but he is considered a top order batsman. In T20s, Rahul usually opens or bats at the top order. In the recently concluded T20I series in England, Rahul opened the innings for India and scored a memorable century.

Meanwhile, in the World Cup, it is unlikely that the top 3 slots will be available for Rahul, so it will be interesting to see if the selectors pick the talented batsman in the middle order. He has been in tremendous form and he had an incredible IPL this year playing for the Kings XI Punjab, where he scored 659 runs in 14 matches and thus, was the top run-getter of the team.

Furthermore, he is an occasional wicket-keeper who kept wickets for the Kings XI Punjab this year. He also opened the innings in the IPL this season and made several valuable opening partnerships for his team.

Hence, in all probability, the selectors will keep him in the World Cup squad if he can continue his impressive batting form. India's batting will be invincible if he starts to be a consistent run scorer in the middle order.