ICC World Cup 2019: 5 reasons why India should pick an all-rounder instead of a fourth seamer in the squad

#3 As a backup for Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav

Hardik Pandya has not fully recovered from his lower back injury, and the issue of his fitness may haunt him in the World Cup as well. Also, Kedar Jadhav is too susceptible to injuries.

The selection of an all-rounder who can replace them when in need, without affecting the batting strength, will be a good call.

4. Inconsistent performances from the fourth seamers

India have tried Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj for the fourth seamer spot in recent times.

Khaleel has delivered in patches, and was given a considerably long rope because of the variation he brings as a left-arm bowler. But his inconsistency has cost him his place in the T20I and ODI squad against Australia.

Meanwhile, the likes of Siraj and Kaul haven't done anything or more precisely, haven't got enough chances to prove their worth to seal the World Cup berth.

5. Decent performances by the backup all-rounders

Ravindra Jadeja

Vijay Shankar or Ravindra Jadeja can be the perfect fit in this slot. Both of them have performed reasonably well whenever they have got to play for the team in recent times.

Jadeja did well in the Asia Cup and in the limited chances he got thereafter. His ability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs and his razor-sharp fielding give India an edge.

On the other hand, Shankar has shown his ability to bat at the top order and contribute some valuable runs, along with a few economical overs while bowling. Their handy performances make them strong contenders for the World Cup squad.

The last ODI series for India before the World Cup has already started, and no seamer has been included in the team for the last three ODIs apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who have already sealed their slots. Siddarth Kaul was left out of the playing XI in the 1st ODI against Australia too.

The signs suggest that India are finally done with the testing of the fourth seamer. However, it will be interesting to see how both Shankar and Jadeja players perform in the ODI series against Australia, and in whom the selectors and team management put their faith for the mega event.