ICC World Cup 2019: 3 players who can provide the X-factor for India

It is time once again for the ICC World Cup. After the conclusion of IPL 2019, which was one of the most thrilling seasons ever, fans can take a breather for the next fortnight or so. But come June, all Indian fans will be praying for Virat Kohli's boys to bring back the trophy that they last won in 2011.

India enter the World Cup 2019 as one of the firm favorites. This edition will follow a format similar to the 1992 one in Australia - each team will play against all the others in a round robin group phase, and the top four will make it to the semi-finals.

On current form India, England and Australia look likely to qualify for the knockout stages along with one of Pakistan, South Africa or New Zealand.

India's form in ODIs over the past two years has been simply sensational. They are currently second in the ICC ODI rankings behind World Cup hosts England. But there are still a few question marks over the starting XI and the balance of the side.

Most importantly, Virat Kohli needs to address the number 4 quandary and the form of Kuldeep Yadav.

We all know that India's top 3 batsmen are the best in the world. And they have a formidable bowling lineup which has the capability to take wickets at any stage of the game. But to win a tournament like the World Cup you need to have some X factors in your team.

In 2011, Yuvraj Singh did that job very well with both bat and ball. Despite battling cancer, he exceeded all expectations and ended up as Man of the Tournament.

On that note, let's take a look at 3 players who can prove to be India's trump cards at the World Cup in England.

#3 KL Rahul

Over the last couple of years India have tried so many batsmen for the number 4 position that its almost impossible to keep count. Ambati Rayudu was given a long run at number 4, till right before the IPL. But his recent form for India as well as CSK has seen him lose his place in the squad altogether.

After Rayudu, Vijay Shankar has been given a chance to make this spot his own. But imagine a situation where the top 3 batsmen falter. In such a scenario, can Shankar win you a match with his batting alone? There's no clear answer to that.

KL Rahul's ODI stats are nothing to write home about. Over 13 innings he averages 34.3 at a strike rate of 80.9. However, an excellent IPL has seen him make a comeback into the team. He scored 593 runs for KXIP at an average of 42.06, and finished as the tournament's second highest run getter.

What was particularly heartening to see was his composure and temperament.

At number four India need a multi dimensional batsman. They need someone who can hold the innings together should the team lose early wickets, and someone who can also explode at will if the start is good and quick runs are required.

Rahul has the technical ability to battle it out in bowler-friendly conditions. He also has a wide range of shots which can help him accelerate, if the situation so demands. And most importantly, he has the skills to navigate the team during a tight chase.

With him at number four and Dhoni to follow, India can afford to play either Kedar Jadhav or Shankar at number six. Indian fans will hope that Rahul will grab this opportunity with both hands and prove to be a decisive player in the middle order. And should either of the opening batsmen go through a prolonged rough patch, he could double up as an opener as well.

#2 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja can contribute with his bowling and fielding

Before the IPL, it looked as though India's bowling lineup was well settled. They had four outright wicket taking bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Hardik Pandya and Jadhav / Shankar filled in as the fifth bowler.

But Bhuvneshwar's form in the IPL was patchy and Kuldeep was hit all over the park. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shami has consistently taken wickets in the limited ODI opportunities he has been given, and is coming in on the back of a good IPL.

Ravindra Jadeja provides an interesting option as either the second spinner or the all-rounder in place of Jadhav. He can bowl economically and has a knack of taking crucial wickets.

As a left arm orthodox spinner Jadeja adds variety to the attack. He will also save a few runs in the field, and create a half chance here and there with his ability to throw down the stumps at will.

Jadeja's batting on the international stage has been far from convincing. But with the bat he will still be an upgrade over both Chahal and Kuldeep.

Should India choose to play Shami instead of Bhuvi, the tail will become very long. Even with Bhuvi playing, it will still be unreliable. Jadeja's batting is suited for the number eight spot; he can replace one of Chahal and Kuldeep in the team.

Also, if India decide to gamble and go bowling heavy, Jadeja could double up as the second all-rounder alongside Hardik and the four front-line bowlers. An added positive is his relationship with Dhoni - who has always brought out the best in him at CSK.

#1 MS Dhoni

Dhoni "the Captain" won India the 2011 World Cup

A few months before the start of the IPL, serious question marks were being raised about Dhoni's place in the Indian team. His batting form had begun to wane. His strike rate had slowed down. He no longer possessed the same belligerent physical strength. Many people felt that a younger and more attack-minded Rishabh Pant would be a better option.

But Dhoni's batting in the IPL laid to rest all the debates and doubts. He anchored the Chennai Super Kings middle order with 416 runs at an astonishing average of 83.2. More importantly, he scored at a healthy strike rate of 134.62. This was despite the fact that CSK played all their home games on a slow and low scoring Chepauk pitch.

What would have pleased not just CSK but all Indian fans, was that Dhoni hit 23 sixes in the tournament. It felt like the Dhoni of old - a smart batsman who knows when to bide his time and when to bring out the big shots from his armory. CSK made it to the finals mainly because of Dhoni's batting.

With Dhoni in this kind of form, India can shuffle the batting order. He can bat at number 4 and control the innings, or come in at number 5 as the designated finisher.

Dhoni's composure is just what the team needs in the middle order. With big hitters before and after him in the batting order, he can be the fulcrum around which the batting rotates.

Dhoni also has a critical role to play as Kohli's adviser-in-chief. It is no secret that without Dhoni behind the stumps, Kohli would have been a far less successful captain. Very often it is MSD who still sets the fields and devises plans for the bowlers; Chahal and Kuldeep have a lot to thank Dhoni for.

Kolhi needs Dhoni's experience and tactical acumen if this team is to win the Cup. Can this be MSD's perfect swansong like it was for Sachin Tendulkar in 2011?