Indian ODI Team's backup XI

India's bench strength has been tested often and they have not disappointed. With the domestic cricket competitions providing an excellent learning opportunity and the IPL testing one's character, India is lucky to discover quality cricketers year after year. It would not be a mistake to say that India has the best bench strength across the globe. It can compete against any international side and create a competitive atmosphere in our country.

With the World Cup around, let us have a look at the squad comprised of the bench, which can provide a good back up to the Indian team.

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#1 Openers: KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw

KL will lead this batting attack

With Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cementing their place at the top of the order, KL will have a very few chances to impress in the ODIs. He is the best batsman in India's bench and will be used as the reserve opener for the World Cup. However, trying him in the middle-order could change the dynamics of the squad.

On the other hand, it would not be a long time before Prithvi Shaw makes his ODI debut. Having got off to a terrific start in his red ball career, the Mumbai teenager will now look to repeat the same with his ODI career. Though the chances are low that he will play in the World Cup next year, he will have his eyes set firmly on the 2023 World Cup.

#2 Middle order: Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey

Shreyas Iyer will occupy Kohli's batting position

They have all been tried for India's middle-order in the past. With Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Kedhar Jadhav having higher chances to make it to the final squad, this trio of Iyer, Pandey and Karthik will offer a solid middle-order to the backup team.

They have excellent fielding and leadership skills too. However, by impressing in the upcoming tournaments, one of these three can still try making it to the World Cup squad.

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#3 Wicket Keeper: Rishab Pant

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Pant will keep the wickets for this team

Rishab Pant will be an easy pick as the wicket-keeper due to his performances in the recent past. With him being touted as the replacement to MS Dhoni, Rishab Pant will be given a lot of chances to perform.

With talented wicket-keepers like Sanju Samson and Ishaan Kishan waiting on the fringes, Rishab Pant will have to make sure that he will grab his opportunities with both hands.

#4 All-rounders and Spinners: Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar will be the lead spinner

These two will offer a tremendous balance to the back-up team. They are proven match-winners both with the bat and with the ball and would like to use their IPL experience to get into the senior squad.

India will also have other options such as Axar Patel and Vijay Shankar if needed. However, this duo will be the preferred option.

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#5 Fast Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul and Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav will lead this pace attack

While Chahar and Kaul have been recent entrants into the Indian squad, Umesh Yadav's pace and experience will be a useful backup to the team. Chahar's swing will be of use on green pitches. Siddharth Kaul has proved himself as a good death bowler.

There are others like Mohammed Shami and Khaleel Ahmed who would also like to be part of this setup.