ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of Probable Players to be part of the Indian Squad

Middle Order (No. 3 and 4)

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu

Top left to bottom right: Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey

Ambati Rayudu proved all his critics wrong by playing his best ever season of IPL and doing a remarkable job while opening the innings for CSK. He has looked pretty steady this Asia Cup too and would want to continue doing well in order to grab a spot in the World Cup squad.

Ambati Rayudu last played for India in the 2015 ICC CWC

Rahane's limited overs career seems to be fading out due to his inability to score runs on a regular basis and he looks to have lost his charm in the longer format of the game too, but given his swashbuckling performances for India in the 2015 WC, he might be able to replicate some great form over the next few months and get a chance to represent India again.

For a very long time, Rahane seemed as India's settled No. 4

Shreyas Iyer has been on tenterhooks for a while now, making frequent appearances in Indian squads but hardly making it to the playing XIs.

He has exhibited impressive top order batting skills as well as exemplary captaincy abilities this IPL. The complete package makes him a dependable prospect for India.

Iyer has been leading India A

Manish Pandey did extraordinarily well for India B in the recently concluded quadrangular Series, leading the side to a series win over India A, South Africa A and Australia A. Pandey can build the innings and also go for sixes as and when needed. He could be given a long run for India.

Pandey scored a match-winning 104* against Australia upon his return in 2016

Skipper Kohli is the backbone of the Indian batting setup. Kohli has to bat up there without exception. He might want to bat at number 4 in case a wicket falls early while the ball is still swinging, but he is and will remain India's permanent number 3.

Virat has redefined batting and is a modern day legend