ICC World Cup 2019: Top 3 candidates for the Player of the Tournament award

The 12th edition of cricket's biggest event - World Cup 2019 - is scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales. The prestigious tournament will kick off on 30th May with the hosts England taking on South Africa.

This year’s World Cup will see a return to the round robin format, with all 10 teams playing against each other and the top four teams qualifying for the semi-final. This is the fifth edition that will take place in England.

Though England and India are hot favorites, all teams are strong on paper and the tournament is expected to be one of the best World Cups ever.

Over the years, several individuals have stood out in the tournament and have bagged the Player of the Tournament award. In this article take a look at 3 players who can win the illustrious award in the 2019 edition.

1. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav has 77 wickets in 39 matches

Left arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been a key member of the Indian team in the last two years. Yadav has bagged wickets against all oppositions, and in every kind of conditions.

In 39 matches so far, Yadav has 77 wickets to his name. His best figures of 6/25 came against England (venue of the World Cup) last year as he befuddled the power-packed English batting line up with his dexterity and craft.

Before that he wreaked havoc in South Africa, claiming 17 wickets in 6 matches to set up India’s first ODI series victory on African soil. Also, Yadav was equally effective in New Zealand and Australia.

Unlike other modern wrist-spinners who bowl quicker in the air, Yadav tosses the bowl to generate revolutions. If his recent form is anything to go by, then Yadav is surely going to trouble many batters in the upcoming mega event.

2. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes' all-round skills can help England win their maiden title

England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has played a vital role in reinvigorating the team's limited-overs fortunes after the 2015 World Cup debacle – where they were knocked out in the group stages. Since then, England have been playing an attacking brand of cricket and are top contenders to lift this year’s World Cup.

Stokes lends balance to the English side and brings much needed dynamism to the table. Time and again, Stokes has single-handedly tilted the game in England’s favor.

His match winning 102* against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2017, when England were reduced to 35/3 in pursuit of 278, underlines Stokes' ability to absorb pressure and know when to take the attack to the opposition.

Stokes, who conceded four sixes to Carlos Brathwaite in the 2016 World Cup final, will also aim for redemption. His heterogeneity – excelling with bat, ball and in the field – could prove to be vital in England’s quest for their maiden title.

3. Trent Boult

Trent Boult is a contender for player of tournament award

Since the 2015 World Cup, no fast bowler has taken more wickets in ODI cricket than Trent Boult. Boult’s 107 wickets in this period have come at an average 24.59.

He was also the joint highest wicket-taker along with Mitchell Starc in the 2015 World Cup , playing an instrumental role in helping New Zealand reach their first World Cup final. This time, he will look to repeat the same performances and will hope to help his side in crossing the line.

The left-armer bowls in the early 140s and has the ability to move the ball in the air. If the pitches and conditions in England provide some movement, which could well be the case in the first half of the tournament, then Boult will pose a stringent challenge.

Moreover, his yorkers at the back end of the innings coupled with his cunning slower ball variations will make life tough for the batsmen. He could very well end up as the highest wicket taker in the tournament again in 2019.