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After two months of exhilarating T20 action, cricket's biggest extravaganza, the ICC World Cup 2019, is now the next big object of attention. In just two weeks the tournament is set to get underway in England and Wales, with 10 nations from all over the globe competing for the prestigious trophy.
Although T20 cricket might not be the right platform to judge ODI form, it is certainly an indicator. Through the course of this article, we shall take a look at how India's World Cup squad fared in IPL 2019.
#1 Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan was in scintillating form this season and amassed 521 runs at an impressive average of 34.73 for the Delhi Capitals. The southpaw finished as the 4th highest scorer in the tournament and played an instrumental role in Delhi reaching the playoffs after 6 years.
Dhawan's ability to take the match away from the opposition and decimate any bowling attack on his day makes him a match-winner in the shorter format. England has been a happy hunting ground for him in the past, and his form will be crucial for India this World Cup.
Marks: 9/10
#2 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma successfully led Mumbai Indians to their 4th title triumph. However, he didn't have the best of seasons individually by his high standards.
The flamboyant right-hander managed to score only 405 runs in 15 matches at an average of 28.92, which does not do justice to his potential.
Sharma is arguably the best opener in the world in limited overs cricket, and will have to regain his form sooner rather than later. The 'Hitman' will have to go all guns blazing at the top of the order if India are to harbor any hopes of lifting the trophy.
Marks: 6/10
#3 Virat Kohli
Except for a few breathtaking knocks, IPL 2019 was an ordinary one for the great Virat Kohli. The batting maestro scored 464 runs in 14 innings, averaging a little over 33. The Indian skipper showed glimpses of his brilliance throughout the tournament but was unable to play match-winning knocks consistently.
However, the early exit of Royal Challengers Bangalore has given the Indian skipper plenty of time to prepare for the World Cup. The onus will be on India's batting mainstay to hold the innings together at the mega event.
Marks: 7/10
#4 Vijay Shankar
Despite being given many opportunities at No. 3, Vijay Shankar failed to make a mark in IPL 2019. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder managed to score only 233 runs in 14 innings at a mediocre average of 20.33, while picking up a solitary wicket.
More than his form, Shankar's temperament disappointed cricket fans as he failed to keep his calm and played unnecessary shots on several occasions.
Marks: 4/10
#5 MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni was in sensational form this IPL. The former Indian skipper ended the tournament as Chennai Super King's highest run-scorer with 416 runs in 12 innings at an average of 83. His best innings came against Royal Challengers Bangalore where he scored 84* and nearly pulled off an improbable victory for his side.
The 2019 World Cup will be Dhoni's last, and he will be determined to finish his legendary career on a high. India will not only rely heavily on his finishing ability but also on his tactical brilliance this World Cup.
Marks: 9/10
#6 Dinesh Karthik
IPL 2019 was a mixed outing for Dinesh Karthik. The Kolkata Knight Riders skipper struggled for runs in the early part of the tournament, but managed to score 253 runs in 13 innings by the end.
His best innings came against Rajasthan Royals where he bailed his team out of trouble with an unbeaten 97. Karthik's experience and finishing ability will be critical for India this World Cup.
Marks: 6.5/10
#7 Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya's performance was one of the main reasons behind Mumbai Indians' title triumph this season. The hard hitting all-rounder scored 402 in 15 innings and picked up 14 wickets in the competition. He was the second most valuable player of the season, only behind KKR's Andre Russell.
Pandya's ability to hit sixes at will and pick up crucial wickets makes him a match-winner in the shorter formats of the game. India will rely heavily on his all-round ability this World Cup.
Marks: 9.5/10
#8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was below par in this season of the Indian Premier League as he managed to pick up only 13 wickets in 15 games. His mediocre performance was one of the reasons why Sunrisers Hyderabad failed to make a big enough mark.
However, the positive thing is that Bhuvneshwar's record in England has been excellent so far. The onus will be on him to provide India with early breakthroughs.
Marks: 4/10
#9 Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav was the biggest disappointment for India in IPL 2019. The left-arm chinaman bowler ended the competition with only 4 wickets in 9 matches. He was taken apart by RCB's Moeen Ali and could not get a game after that.
Kuldeep is the leader of India's spin attack and has played a massive role in India's ODI success in recent times. It will be important for him to regain his lost mojo as India's World Cup chances will hinge a lot on his wicket-taking ability.
Marks: 3/10
#10 Yuzvendra Chahal
Over the years, Yuzvendra Chahal has been brilliant for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This season was no different as the leg spinner bowled with a lot of guile on Bangalore's batting friendly track and ended the season as the team's leading wicket taker with 18 scalps from 14 matches.
Chahal's ability to pick up wickets at any stage of an innings makes him a lethal weapon and India will only hope that he carries his superb form into the World Cup.
Marks: 8.5/10
#11 Jasprit Bumrah
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Jasprit Bumrah is the best bowler in the world in limited overs cricket. The ace speedster ended the season with 19 wickets in 16 matches. He saved his best for the last as he ended the final with figures of 2-14 against CSK and was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Bumrah's uncanny ability to nail yorkers at will and destroy any batting line up on his day makes him a force to reckon with. He will undoubtedly be India's trump card in the World Cup.
Marks: 9/10
#12 KL Rahul
KL Rahul was phenomenal for Kings XI Punjab and ended the season as the second highest run scorer with 593 runs in 14 matches, only behind Sunrisers Hyderabad's David Warner. The flamboyant Karnataka batsman was Punjab's lone warrior and produced several match winning performances for his side.
Rahul will be heading into the World Cup as India's backup opener but could get the nod ahead of Vijay Shankar at No. 4 considering the latter's miserable form throughout the tournament.
Marks: 9.5/10
#13 Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with some useful performances for the Chennai Super Kings throughout the season. The Saurashtra born all-rounder ended the tournament with 106 runs in 9 innings at an average of 35.16 and also picked up 15 wickets.
The pitches in England will start drying up eventually and Jadeja. with his all-round ability, could be a real asset for India this World Cup.
Marks: 7.5/10
#14 Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav had a disastrous IPL season and eventually succumbed to an injury. He managed to score only 162 runs in 12 innings at a poor average of 18.
The Chennai Super Kings top order failed on multiple occasions and this gave Jadhav many opportunities to bail the team out of trouble, but he was unable to do so. Jadhav has not been in the best of form of late and with Rishabh Pant in magnificent touch, his injury might well turn out to be a blessing in disguise for India.
Marks: 3/10
#15 Mohammad Shami
IPL 2019 was a season to remember for Mohammad Shami. The speedster ended the tournament as Kings XI Punjab's highest wicket taker with 19 wickets in 14 matches. He was Punjab's go to man throughout the season and got several crucial breakthroughs for his side.
Shami will be heading into the World Cup as India's third seamer and it will be important that he delivers on the big stage for the team.
Marks: 8.5/10
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