A look into India's squad in upcoming ODI series vs England

The upcoming ODI series between India and England in July looks as a competition between two evenly matched teams and most probably competition between the teams who will go into final four of the upcoming 2019 cricket World Cup as favorites to win the title. Let us look how the Indian players might fare in upcoming series.

#1. Openers

At present, no opening combination in ODI's is better than that of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. These two will look to add on to their already good record in England. It is highly unlikely that Virat Kohli will look for other options in case of failure of either of the openers. But for an outside chance, if the situation arises then KL Rahul will get a look at the top. Overall, the opening position looks settled and India's performance will depend on how these two perform at the top.

#2. Middle Order

Virat Kohli will look to prosper this time around in England and shrug off the demons of the 2014 tour. The Number three spot is his own and he will look to add feathers to his excellent ODI record by succeeding in England.

Going into CWC 2019, India lacks a good number four specialist batsman and this series will be yet another chance for KL Rahul ,Shreyas Iyer, and Suresh Raina whoever gets a chance to stake a claim for the spot.

After highly successful IPL for MS Dhoni batting at number five, the team management will look to make the most out of the seasoned campaigner by giving him opportunities at his preferred position.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni

#3. Lower Middle Order

Number six and seven positions are most likely to be shuffled between Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik thereby handling the finisher's role.

While Hardik's performance with the bat and ball are crucial to India's chances going ahead into the 2019 World Cup, India will look to make the most of Karthik's confidence gained after winning the final of the Nidahas Trophy and subsequently, a good run in the IPL. This time around, the management should give him a long run in the ODI setup.

Dinesh Karthik

#4. Spinners

The tweaker's role will yet again be handled by the wrist spinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. These two are crucial to India's chances in 2019 CWC and would look to gain fair amount of experience of playing in English conditions.

Also the attacking brand of cricket played by England team would give the spinners a valuable lesson on how to alter length and trajectory in English conditions to be successful.

Kuldeep Yadav and Chahal

#5. Pacers

Off late, India boasts of having an excellent pace attack. Bhuvneswar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah will look give some serious dents to the English batting order and win some matches on their own.

India should also give a look to Umesh Yadav who had an excellent IPL, so that he puts his claims for a third pacer, if required. In case of injury or loss of form of any of these, India can give in a look to Siddarth Kaul.

Bhuvneswar Kumar and Umesh Yadav