World Cup 2019: The 'Impact' XI

The 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup got off to a rocking start. The hosts made a rollicking start by beating South Africa by 104 runs in the tournament opener. The fifties by Jason Roy, Eion Morgan, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes propelled the Englishmen to 311. In reply, the Proteas got off to a shaky start after a Jofra Archer bouncer ended up ruffling Hashim Amla's feathers. The hosts kept striking at regular intervals. The Proteas could only manage 207/10 in just under 40 overs.

So, it certainly would be no overstatement to say that the 2019 edition of the world cup has got off to the best possible start. Mind you; this is just the beginning. There's a lot more in store. All of the teams have some talented players in their ranks. West Indies, for instance, have found a gem of a player in Shimron Hetmeyer. The 22-year-lad from Guyana is an emerging young talent. His recent batting exploits in the limited-overs format have been quite impressive.

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi is yet another youngster who has been making his presence felt on the international stage. His stocks have risen quite considerably ever since he made his ODI debut against India in early 2018.

Similarly, we have quite a few impact players playing in the world cup this time around. Glenn Maxwell, for instance, can turn the game on its head at any given point in the match. He's a power hitter. There are others like him as well.

So, the stage is set. The teams are ready, and so are the spectators. This time around, it is expected to be another crackerjack of a contest. Let us take a look at some players ( across all teams) who are expected to stamp their authority on the tournament.

Before we look at the Impact XI, let us take a look at some notable exclusions.

1) Kausal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

2) Lokesh Rahul (India)

3) Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

4) Jos Buttler (England)

5) Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

6) Chris Gayle (West Indies)

7)Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

8)Johnny Bairstow (England)

1) The openers

Jason Roy (England)

This lad from Surrey can hit the ball a long-long way. Jason Roy and Johnny Bairstow share opening duties for England. Their ability to go after the bowlers early on in the innings has been well documented. Roy is believed to have revolutionized England's approach in limited overs cricket. The shackles of orthodoxy have now been thrown away.

Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper) (South Africa)

Quinton de Kock's exploits in one-day cricket are well known . Boy, this lad from Johannesburg can hit the ball a long-long way. His ability to score quickly has made him one of hottest properties in world cricket. Also, his wicket-keeping skills are no less impressive. Like most other batsmen, he too finds it hard to play against the moving ball, but his ability to pull off the big blows makes him a dangerous customer.

The middle order

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Pakistan's wonder kid occupies the number 3 spot in the batting order. With as many as nine centuries in 64 matches, this lad from Lahore has been the centerpiece of Pakistan's batting lineup since 2016. His ability to keep the scoreboard moving has been lauded by many. Also, at 24, he has showcased maturity far beyond his age.

West Indies v Pakistan - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

David Miller (South Africa)

2nd KFC T20 International: South Africa v Pakistan

Being David Miller isn't easy. He's one of South Africa's finest batsmen in the shorter formats of the game. Now that AB de Villiers is gone, cricket pundits believe that this southpaw can make a name for himself. The sad part is: Despite being one of South Africa's most exceptional cricketing talents, he hasn't been able to show the kind of consistency that is expected of him. 2,922 runs at an average of a shade under 39 aren't enough to highlight the kind of impact he can have on the game. 2019 can be his year.

Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

The island nation is struggling. The Champions of the 1996 edition are caught in dire straits. Some would argue that he's no longer the player he used to be. The 31-year- old has seen a considerable number of ups and downs in his career. Once an all-rounder, he can no longer bowl, but he can still bat. He's been the team's most reliable batsmen.

Sri Lanka v South Africa – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up

The all rounders

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

One of the most consistent all-rounders in the world, Shakib can turn a game on its head. He can score runs, and he can score them quickly. He's an equally effective bowler and can strike at regular intervals. Not to forget, he's a live wire on the field. The limited-overs superstar is one of the most celebrated all-rounders of the modern era.

Bangladesh v New Zealand - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

Andre Russell (West Indies)

Ruthlessness is the word. Andre Russell is synonymous with ruthlessness. All of us loved watching his batting exploits in the Indian Premier League. Now, the men from the caribbean will be expecting him to go big this time around. In the first group stage fixture against Pakistan, he sent a timely reminder of his bowling capabilities as well. He doesn't believe in blocking because he's extremely good at landing punches. He's the true 'beast'.

West Indies v Pakistan - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

The lone spinner

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

England v Afghanistan – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up

The spin sensation from Afghanistan has been in top form for the last year and a half. He's been picking up wickets quite regularly. Also, he's no mug with the bat. He can chip in with some handy twenties and thirties.

Seamers

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Speed is his primary weapon. On his day, he can be a nasty 'lethal' thing. His pace can unsettle batsmen. No matter how good a batsman you are, Kagiso Rabada will give you a torrid time. South Africa's hopes of ending a title draught rest on the shoulders of Kagiso Rabada. Boy, he's an indomitable force.

Sri Lanka v South Africa – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up

Trent Boult (New Zealand)

This lad from Tauranga is the ideal candidate to play James Bond. No, not kidding. This lad is handsome, isn't he? As far as his bowling skills are concerned, he can rip the heart out of any given batting line up when he's on song. Nobody can forget the spell he bowled against the Aussies in the 2015 edition. His ability to move the bowl both ways is believed to be his biggest strength.

West Indies v New Zealand – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

India's yorker king. He can clock speeds in excess of 145 km/hr. Also, his slower balls and off-cutters are no less effective. If you are looking for a bowler who can defend seven or eight runs in the final over, then Bumrah's your man.

India v New Zealand – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up