ICC World Cup 2019: Predicted 15-member Indian squad for the mega event

The date for the India's World Cup selection is here as the BCCI confirmed that the selectors will meet at Mumbai on 15th April to pick the team. Indian captain Virat Kohli and Vice-captain Rohit Sharma felt that the squad was almost sorted during the Australia series. Only a few changes will be there.

Former cricketers have also vouched for many players for the number four spot, as it's the only vacant position in the squad. Now all eyes will on the Indian selectors to know whom they will bank on for the number four spot. Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri are expected to have their say in picking the players that they want.

India kick starts its World Cup campaign on 5th June against South Africa. It's going to be a heavy two months in cricket. Hence, selectors are likely to pick back up players for the key positions. Now the question is who will be picked as back up players for the respective position. Let's predict the 15-member squad likely to picked for the mega event.

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Openers: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul

Rohit and Dhawan

Rohit Sharma an Shikhar Dhawan almost certain as openers. Though their IPL form may be a concern, but the ODI format is all-together a different ball game. The duo has performed above the expectations in that department in the last few years. Dhawan especially rocked in the ICC tournaments held in England. These two love the pace and bounce, and hence there is no better pair in the country to open the innings, especially in England.

KL Rahul could be picked as the back up opener. The right hander might not have a great record recently, but he is not short of talent. Rahul might play in the playing the XI at number three if the Indian think tank sends Kohli at number four in the World Cup. However, the chances of this are very slim, and hence India's top will continue to be the same.

Middle-order: Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rishabh Pant

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli

This will be Virat Kohli's first big assignment as the Indian captain. The Delhite will be leading the side for the first time in the World Cup. He almost won the a Champions Trophy in England a couple of years back. He is back to the same place to create history for India, and would love to walk away with success.

MS Dhoni will be India's wicket keeper in the mega event. His experience will be key for the Indian captain during crucial moments. The veteran might be playing his last World Cup, and hence would like to end on an high.

Rishbah Pant might get the nod as a back up wicket keeper. Dinesh Karthik has been great for India, but the selectors made a statement by not picking him in the ODI series against Australia. Also, they stated that they are looking at him as a T20 specialist. Hence, the young wicket keeper might be picked as back up wicket keeper ahead of Karthik.

And you never know, India might try him at number four too.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, and Kedar Jadhav

Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar

Hardik Pandya missed the Australia series due to injury, but is a certain to play for India in the World Cup.The all-rounder has shown great hitting skills in the IPL, and can be India's finisher. He can also chip in with the ball. He is one of the great fielders in the Indian side.

Vijay Shankar has been the most benefited person from the Australia series. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder showcased what he is capable of during the series. He might be picked ahead of Krunal Pandya. The English conditions suit swing bowlers, so it's wise to go with two fast bowling all-rounders.

Kedar Jadhav made his case strong to be picked in the squad during the Australia series. He can also contribute with the ball, and has a knack of breaking partnerships. The right-hander is most likely to feature in the Indian XI as a middle order batsman

Spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal and Kuldeep

Ravindra Jadeja has been an integral part of the Indian team. Selectors might go with him to have a balance of experience and youth in the squad. He is also one of the greatest Indian fielders, and can chip in with the bat too. He could also be a good back spinner for India's main two spinners. The southpaw has been a part of big tournaments in the past, and hence it could play in the selectors mind in the selection process.

The wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has won many matches for India in the past one year. Not only in India, they both did well even in places like South Africa, England, Australia and New Zealand. Hence, they will be the first choice of spinners for the selectors as well as the Indian captain.

Though they both might not play together in the playing XI, they'd be expected to be picked in the rotation policy. Virat Kohli believes wrist spinners could be the game changers in any playing conditions.

Fast bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami

Bhuvi and Bumrah

Though Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not in great form, he would be India's third fast bowler. Bhuvi has tremendous control over swing, and is suitable in English conditions. He can also make sure that India doesn't have a fragile lower batting order.

Jasprit Bumrah is going to one of the key members for India along with Kohli in the cricket's prestigious tournament. He is going to be the match winner on his day. The young fast bowler has grown rapidly in the last one year. He is going to be India's trump card in the 2019 World Cup.

Mohammed Shami is an underrated Indian fast bowler, but his numbers tell a different story. He can be very effective in conditions like England. India has had great overseas success in last one year, mainly because of the fast bowlers. If the three fast bowlers perform to their potential, Kohli's team might have a great chance to go all the way in the tournament.