ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: A combined playing XI comprising of players from India and Pakistan

Middle order: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Shoaib Malik

The ideal middle order

Virat Kohli's ample records in international cricket necessitate his spot in this playing XI. The Indian skipper's ideal position is the third spot where he has notched up some excellent numbers, scoring 8743 at an average of 63.36.

Along with Virat Kohli, Babar Azam's stylish batting style has grabbed eyeballs and has been exceptional in ODI cricket, breaking various records. Due to his adaptability and strokeplay, he could be solid at number four.

For the number five position, a seasoned campaigner such as Shoaib Malik is an ideal choice, with his ability to rotate strike and shift gears as and when necessary. In addition to his batting, Malik can chip in with his crafty off-spin as well.

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Finishers: MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya

Multi-talented finishing batsmen

MS Dhoni is indeed one of the world's best finishers at the moment. Even at the fag end of his international career, he remains at the top of his game and with 37-year-old notching up four ODI half-centuries this year, Dhoni looks in some ominous touch in the lead up to the tournament and is also an ideal wicket-keeping option due to his lightning-quick stumping abilities.

Hardik Pandya, courtesy of his pyrotechnics with the bat would slot in perfectly at number seven. Pandya's aggressive batting in the last few overs have come to the fore since the start of IPL 2019 that could come in handy in the World Cup. Apart from his batting, Pandya's ability to trouble the batsmen with his pace and his gun fielding makes him a perfect all-round addition to the team.