India vs New Zealand ODIs, 2019: 3 areas of concern for India ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup

India are well and truly among the top 2-3 teams who are fancied to win the ICC Cricket World Cup to be played in England and Wales later on this year. Their balance, the depth of their bench reserves and the confidence and perseverance of their bowling unit make them strong, formidable looking unit ahead of the marquee tournament.

As a team, they created history by becoming the first ever Asian team to win a series down- under by defeating Australia 2-1. They followed that up with a convincing ODI series, again a first for India as an ODI team.

The previous ODI series win saw the return of MS Dhoni, the finisher. As his batting was instrumental in scripting India's historic series win down-under. Overall, the team seemed confident and almost every box seemed to be checked heading into the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The dominance and the nature of the team's performance in the first three ODIs was definitely pleasing to the eyes, but the nature of defeat at Hamilton bought back some old wounds and concerns from an Indian perspective.

India have been very convincing in the past 12-15 months and series win in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand speaks for themselves. But with them looking so good and with many experts and pundits terming India as favourites to win the ICC Cricket World Cup, they would need to iron out and address some concerns in order to head into the tournament much stronger.

Here's looking at some of the issues and concerns that India need to look at sorting out.

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The batting lineup is far too dependent on the top three- Rohit, Dhawan and Virat Kohli

Over-dependence on the top three batsmen must reduce

India have been dominant and have posted some commanding totals and have been equally potent at chasing totals with elan in the past 15-18 months. But one constant factor in that success have been the performance of their top three batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

The majority of India's success is directly linked to the runs amassed by the top three batsmen. Now in conditions that suit batsmen, even if the openers fail to deliver, this middle order comprising Ambati Rayudu, Kedhar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik can own up and propel India forward.

But if the ball is moving around and the bowlers have a fair say, this Indian batting lineup has looked out of sorts. Classic examples of this is the manner in which the top three capitulated in Hamilton and Wellington.

The bowling from Trent Boult and Matt Henry was fantastic but the lack of intent to play out the tough balls and some loose shots led to their dismissals. Not every game can three batsmen continuously deliver for the team. The middle order must own up, take responsibility and help out.

The manner in which Ambati Rayudu, Vijay Shankar and finally Hardik Pandya completed a rescue act for India in the fifth ODI is definitely pleasing signs. But the concerning fact is India have been far too reliant on their fabulous top three batsmen and what they would hope is this performance at Wellington can lead to more middle order runs in the coming games.

Lack of clarity in the roles expected to be played by some key players

Ambati Rayudu, the permanent number 4 for India?

There is certainly lack of clarity in what's expected from some players who form the middle-order. Players like Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar are classic examples.

They clearly form the middle-order that India will go in with in the World Cup, but whats a bit worrying is that all these players haven't got roles and responsibilities completely defined this close to the World Cup.

Ambati Rayudu keeps getting shifted up and down his preferred batting spot-number 4. And is Kedhar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya earmarked to be the finishers for the team leaving Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni to build the innings around? Well looks most likely.

After being on the mat at 18-4 in the fifth and final ODI , Ambati Rayudu's fine knock of 90 runs, which was a typical, old-fashioned ODI knock should put all doubt to rest that he is India's man for one of the most talked and debated spots in their team- the number 4 position.

It should on the Indian management's mind to address this lack of clarity in roles and look to address them in the upcoming home series against Australia.

The reserve wicket-keeper position hasn't been nailed down as yet

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has been selected ahead of Rishabh Pant to be the backup wicket-keeper in place of an out of form or injured MS Dhoni. DK has been rather impressive in his new role of finishing T20I and ODI games batting at number 6 or 7 position.

He was impressive in Australia with the manner in which he guided India to successful chases. His experience and composure is definitely good to watch. But DK's performance in the ODI series in New Zealand with MSD injured for few games doesn't provide too much confidence.

His batting was far from perfect, with many people raising questions on his selection in the team ahead of the young Rishabh Pant. Such criticism hurled at Dinesh Karthik isn't correct, but such are times with competition being that high that every game DK gets as a wicket-keeper/batsman he's expected to deliver.

He has been pretty good in his role as the finisher while MSD is in the playing XI, and he would be looking to put all doubt regarding his selection in the squad in the remaining games he gets to play before the start of the marquee tournament.