ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 : Strongest Indian Playing XI

With only a few months left for the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which is scheduled to be hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board from May 30 till July 14. All the teams are busy in figuring out their perfect combinations for the all-important tournament. As a result they were seen tickling with their playing XI's in the last few months and Men in Blue were no different.

Kohli's men were seen adopting the rotation policy to attain the perfect balance and also keep their key players fit for the pinnacle event. As a result, we've seen few key players like Jasprit Bumrah being rested for New Zealand series, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for Windies ODIs and even skipper Kohli was rested for Asia Cup and T20 series against Windies.

While there were many players, who were seen batting at different positions like MS Dhoni, who usually bats at number six was seen batting at number five (first two ODIs) and number four (third ODI) against Australia.

But now we've reached the phase when a team must pen down their possible squad's and playing XI's for the premier championship. So, without much ado, Let's have a look on India's strongest playing XI for CWC 2019.

Top Order

#1 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has been in terrific touch in recent times and was on the second position behind skipper Virat Kohli to hit most runs in 2018. The opener amassed 1030 runs in 2018 at an average of 73.57 and started 2019 with a bang against Aussies.

The right-hander's consistency and his average strike rate of 101 (since January 2018) puts him among the most destructive openers of current times. His performance will be crucial for India's chances during the pioneer event, and he is likely to open the batting for the team.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

The man for the big stage, Shikhar Dhawan is known for leveling up his performance during multinational events, evident by the fact that, he was India's best batsmen during ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, with 412 runs in eight games.

While also topped the overall batting charts during ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and Asia Cup 2018 with 338 and 342 runs in five games edging out his nearest competitor and opening partner Rohit Sharma (304 and 317 runs) on both occasions by 34 and 25 runs respectively. This makes him man to bid for during CWC 2019 and he is the perfect contender to open the batting with Rohit.

#3 Virat Kohli (Captain)

Another name of consistency, Virat Kohli is among the most consistent run scorers of the current era. There are quite rare chances when the Indian skipper doesn't find his name among runs and it was his consistency that made him bag five prestigious ICC awards for his performances in 2018.

His batting average of 133 (since January 2018) is enough to underline his capabilities and worth for Men in Blue. The way he is playing at the moment, the skipper is no less than nemesis for his opponents during CWC19.

Middle Order

#4 MS Dhoni (Wicket-Keeper)

The finisher, MS Dhoni is one of the best finishers, the country has ever had and his experience and ability to rack up the innings according to the situation certainly puts him well ahead of others. He has more than 10,000 runs to his name, and his batting average of over 50 down the order is enough to prove his credentials.

Meanwhile, his quick work behind the stumps is a certain plus. With this also expected to be his final CWC outing, the former World champion would love to add another CWC feather to his cap.

#5 Dinesh Karthik

The death over specialist batsman, Dinesh Karthik is always a surprise factor in the team and has transformed himself into a destructive death over batsman over time. The right-hander has scored 1700 runs in 75 innings at an average of 30.45. One may underestimate his abilities considering his average strike rate of 73.3, which seems an illustration when he comes into fore.

He is already relishing his new role of a finisher in the team and can be a real disaster for opponents during death overs. He has proved his finishing ability on many occasions when it's Nidahas Trophy final (29 runs from eight balls) or Australia ODI (25 runs from 14 balls). He stood up to get the team over the winning line, whenever needed.

All-rounders

#6 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav has been a revelation in ODI cricket and performed decently well for India in the recent past. The all-rounder was part of India's Champions Trophy squad in 2017 and featured in all five games during the tournament. Since then he has been a consistent member of the Indian ODI squad in the past couple of years and played a key role in Men in Blue's Asia Cup triumph picking up six wickets and scoring 70 runs at lower middle order.

He has scored 945 runs in 42 innings at an impressive middle order average of 45 and also boasts a strike rate of 108.44. While his wicket-taking skills add another plus to his ranks. With such credentials, the Jadhav can be a trump card during CWC 2019.

#7 Hardik Pandya

The first choice all-rounder, Hardik Pandya is going through a tough phase due to injuries and off-field controversies. But his all-round abilities still make him a first choice option in playing XI. The all-rounder has been an integral part of India's squad and can play crucial roles in both departments either batting or bowling.

He also featured for Men in Blue during all five Champions Trophy 2017 fixtures, where he scored 105 runs in his three innings at an average of 52, while picking up four wickets. Hardik is also preferred due to his big-hitting skills down the order. Though he is likely to get tough competition from Ravindra Jadeja, who looks set to grab his place in case he fails to deliver.

Lower Order/Bowlers

#8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been an integral part of India's multinational tournaments in recent times and featured for Men in Blue during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and 2017 (both in England). The right arm pacer has picked 109 ODI wickets and his economy rate of lesser than five runs per over means he is not an easy target for the batsmen.

Due to this, he can be a worthy option for the team, and his ability to pick wickets under any circumstances has always been a certain plus for the skipper. He boasts a lot of experience under his belt and is likely to be the major pace weapon for the team during CWC 2019.

#9 Kuldeep Yadav

In Kuldeep Yadav, India has found a wicket taking machine . The chinaman bowler has already taken 73 wickets in a short span of time and played a crucial role during India's Asia cup triumph to finish the tournament as the leading wicket-taker for Men in Blue with ten wickets at a decent economy rate of 4.08.

The left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep provided a quality spin option to the squad and is known for creating havoc in opponents batters with his variations.

Lower Order/Bowlers

#10 Jasprit Bumrah

The yorker specialist, Jasprit Bumrah is known for his accurate bowling during death overs. The Indian speedster currently occupies the top spot in ICC ODI Rankings and has taken 78 ODI wickets at an economy rate of 4.45.

He boasts an incredible ability to squeeze runs and can also be a worthy option during powerplay overs. The pacer is a must have option for the team and is expected to lead the bowling unit during the CWC 2019.

#11 Yuzvendra Chahal

The inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal into the playing XI has always made a dramatic impact on the team’s results. The wrist spinner is currently going through the form of his life and has taken 64 wickets in 35 outings at an economy rate of 4.72.

Chahal is capable of providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and can contribute effectively to the team's cause during CWC 2019.

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