One year before World Cup 2019: The strongest ODI XI 

Virat Kohli (C) (IND)

Virat Kohli has emerged as one of the greatest ODI players of all time

Standing as one of the finest cricketers of all time, Virat Kohli's selection into the team comes as a no-brainer. India's skipper has been in top form for the past few years and has been busy breaking records left, right and centre. Contrary to many other batsmen from sub-continent, Kohli has been one of those few players who have been able to perform well in overseas conditions as well. With an incredible ability to absorb any situation of the game, the man from Delhi would certainly be the team's batting mainstay.

Joe Root (ENG)

Joe Root has been England's premier batsman in the past few years

Joe Root played a crucial role in helping England beat India in the recently concluded ODI series. The Yorkshireman's back-to-back centuries in the final two games of the series got him over his brief period of dearth and put him back into the thick of things once again. Root currently stands as the second highest run-getter in the ODIs for 2018 and has revamped his repertoire with several enterprising shots that have been helping him to score quickly. Given his dream run in England. the man would provide a solid presence when out in the middle.

Babar Azam (PAK)

Babar Azam is one of Pakistan's brightest prospects

Equipped with a decent technique and classy strokeplay, Babar Azam burst onto the international as a young bright prospect for Pakistan. Over the years, the 23-year-old has broken numerous records and grown into a vital part of his country's cricketing setup. From the consecutive hundreds against West Indies in 2016 or his recent match-winning knocks against Zimbabwe, Azam has stood tall for the men in green on several occasions. With a calm head on shoulders, this talented batsman would complement the likes of Virat Kohli and Joe Root perfectly in the middle order.