5 batsmen who could make it into the Indian squad for the World Cup

Now that the much exciting IPL is about to end, cricketing fans in India have got their eyes upon the next big thing- 2019 ICC World Cup!

After losing against eventual champions Australia, in the World Cup 2015 semifinals, India is said to be the favorites to lift the cup this term.

Time and again the Men in Blue have displayed their prowess when it comes to ODI.

As per the recent history in major competitions, India found their exit in the Semifinals of 2015 World Cup and finished the 2017 Champions Trophy as runners-up.

Thus, for the very same reason, Kohli & Co. would look to settle for nothing less than the ultimate victory.

Team India's batting options look lethal with experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MSD and Shikhar Dhawan. However, many youngsters have shown their potential in recent times.

Let us take a look at five such names who would be under the coach, Ravi Shastri, and skipper, Virat Kohli's radar.

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#5 Ambati Rayudu:

Rayudu had made it into the Indian squad for the 2015 World Cup. However, he failed to feature in any of the matches for the team throughout the tournament.

Now, a couple of years later, Rayudu's name is once again reverberating in the ears of Indian fans and all thanks to his extraordinary batting in the ongoing IPL.

Unlike other players in the list, Rayudu doesn't need much introduction or further stepping stones to make it into the squad. His rich experience and recently found consistency is enough for him to grab a berth.

The ex-Indian U19 captain has secured his place in the team, by replacing injured Kedar Jadhav, that would be touring England next month. This can be Ambati Rayudu's golden opportunity to put up a show and grab the selectors' attention.

#4 Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer can be called as a backup for Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma

If you take a peep into the achievements of this batsman at such a young age, you are certain to be awed. That's the 23-year-old, youngest Delhi Daredevils skipper, Shreyas Iyer for you all.

Iyer possesses every quality needed for a cricketer to survive in the long run; Aggression, leadership skills, grace, and talent.

Iyer has played just six ODIs for India but has an impressive average of 42.0 which includes two half-centuries.

The Mumbai lad's ability to face pacers with ease is something which can be handy for India at England. However, he faces competition from big-names like Kohli and Dhawan. But with age on his side, Iyer is surely the man to represent India now or in the near future.

#3 Rishabh Pant

Pant had a scintillating IPL campaign this year

Another young talent from Delhi franchise, Rishabh Pant!

Pant was all over the headlines until Delhi's exit from the 2018 edition of the IPL. He held the Orange Cap until SRH's Kane Williamson took over.

Only if Delhi Daredevils were still in the game, maybe the story would have been different as such has been the form of this 20-year-old.

It remains a fact that when it comes to the big stage, Pant has proven his worth just in the shortest format and is yet to get an opportunity to display his skills in ODIs.

While he remains to be a promising name in the future of Indian cricket, there are equal chances that Pant might be called up for National duty for the World Cup.

#2 Sanju Samson

If given an opportunity, Sanju might prove his worth to the selectors.

Another young talent who has been illustrious throughout his domestic career.

Sanju Samson caught everybody's attention following his 2013 IPL campaign where he played for Rajasthan Royals.

As a result of successful back to back IPL seasons, Samson went onto represent India at the U-19 World Cup and ended up as the highest run-getter of the team.

He was a crucial part of India A tour of Australia in 2014 where the Men in Blue won the quadrangular series.

The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman has only represented India A in ODIs and is yet to mark his debut for the national team.

With over a year left for the World Cup to commence, it's highly likely that Kohli would give this youngster a shot to prove his worth.

#1 Suresh Raina

Having an experienced player like Raina by their side would be an asset for Kohli & Co.

Suresh Raina has always been one of the strongest and dependable names in the Indian team. His brilliant performances have handed India with victories on a countless number of occasions.

Despite being a regular figure recently in T20Is, Suresh Raina played his last ODI in the Blue outfit back in 2015. That's three long years ago!

However, with the selectors having shown their trust upon this southpaw once again by including him in the T20I squad against England and need for experienced players in the squad, Raina has a good chance to make it into the ODI side once again.

Indian team's former trump card, Yuvraj Singh, being in a terrible form and Raina performing considerably well in the IPL recently can add to the factors that can work in Raina's favor.