3 players who can be surprise inclusions for the World Cup

The Indian Cricket Team has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent and dominating sides in World Cricket. India recently thrashed West Indies 2-0 in the home Test series and the revamped Test squad has also witnessed the emergence of flawless Prithvi Shaw and the back-to-form Umesh Yadav.

The team under Virat Kohli has grown in leaps and bounds with the team setting new benchmark levels in fitness and cricketing skills. With the team having a plethora of rich talent and an excellent bench strength, the Indian team is one of the clear favourites to win the World Cup.

With the World Cup getting closer, we take a look at the players who might surprisingly get the nod for World Cup selection.

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#3 Mohammad Shami

South Africa v India - Third Momentum One Day International Series

Mohammad Shami, India's fast bowler has got another chance to prove his worth for India in the limited overs format against West Indies. He might make it to the starting XI due to Shardul Thakur's groin strain which has ruled him out of the series.

If Shami capitalizes on this wonderful opportunity, he might well be a part of the selectors' World Cup plans. Shami's yorkers and leg cutters have worked wonders for the Indian team in the past. He should look to repeat his past heroics in order to impress the selectors.

With his superior bowling action, he will be able to extract good bounce and swing during the World Cup in England. Shami can also be very lethal with the new ball as he can swing the ball both ways.

Having been the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2015 World Cup, a few top-notch performances will cement his place in the side.

#2 Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed, the 20-year-old speedster has caught the attention of a lot of eyes with his impressive performances in the Asia Cup. Khaleel Ahmed's raw pace and swing have unsettled the batters at the crease.

With Khaleel Ahmed, India's quest for a left-arm pacer might have finally come to an end. Khaleel Ahmed managed 4 wickets from 2 matches in the Asia Cup. He has also become a force to be reckoned with in the death overs as the batsmen have mostly failed to read Khaleel Ahmed's deceptive slow balls and yorkers.

With the speed he generates in his bowling, Khaleel Ahmed might be able to get through the defence of the batsman.

India has lacked a reliable left-arm pacer ever since the retirement of Zaheer Khan as the likes of Jaydev Unadkat and Barinder Sran have vastly been inconsistent. However, having Khaleel Ahmed in the line-up would help India to come across their past weaknesses and flaws in bowling.

#1 Rishabh Pant

England v India: Specsavers 5th Test - Day Five

Rishabh Pant has been included in the ODI squad for the first time at the expense of Dinesh Karthik for the ODI series against West Indies. Rishabh Pant's sheer brutality with the bat played a major factor in his selection for the ODI series.

Pant might have already sealed his spot in the Test squad as he has racked up 184 runs in just two innings in the recently-concluded Test series against West Indies. He will look to carry the momentum and also try to seal his spot in the ODI XI too as the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey haven't been consistent.

If he continues his fine performance with the bat, he can be the long-term solution to India's middle-order batting conundrum and also find a spot in the starting XI for the much-important World Cup.