ICC World Cup 2019: Potential answers to India's old and new muddles

Dinesh Karthik for Rishabh Pant

Dinesh Karthik - Always a safe option as the second wicket-keeper

In the two matches that he played, Pant has not inspired any confidence with the glove. There is always uncertainty as to whether the ball would find Pant’s gloves or not. Besides, with the bat, Pant could bat only on top gear irrespective of the match situation. This has compounded India’s problems. Though the ever-reliable Dhoni will be back for the World Cup, the presence of a superior second keeper in the squad is a must for the World Cup.

In the present scenario, Dinesh Karthik seems to be a better option as the second keeper than Rishabh Pant. He has wealth of experience behind him and a safe option in an important tournament like the World Cup. Pant’s time would certainly come after the World Cup.

The fourth seamer

India tried Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Siddarth Kaul as fourth seamer option. But none of them showed any inclination to be part of the World Cup squad. If India has to go for the experience, there is Umesh Yadav and for variety, there is Khaleel Ahmed.

Instead of searching for something which is not there, India could still manage with 3 main fast bowlers, Hardik Pandya, the 3 spinners, Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav as the part-time options.

The other problems like the inconsistency of the openers and inability to chase are all interrelated problems which will be automatically resolved once India’s batting starts clicking as a unit.

To sum up, captain Virat Kohli and the team management should cast off the " all is well" approach and recognise the presence of these inadequacies and should base their selection as an answer to these problems.