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Team India have kicked off their World Cup campaign in a fiery fashion, going about thrashing some top-notch teams with consummate ease. They look set to book a place in the top-four and are definitely one of the favourites to make it to the final of the tournament.
In comparison to other teams featuring in the grand spectacle, they have got one of the most balanced squads with a fair share of quality players in each department. However, that does not guarantee shows of individual brilliance from every player. There are a couple of cricketers in the team who haven't made the grade and are by far lucky to be in the same dressing room as others. Come the end of World Cup 2019, and it is highly unlikely that these faces will be seen with the team any longer.
On that note, let's take a look at the 3 players who might be dropped once the World Cup ends.
Also read: World Cup 2019: Five tournament records that are likely to be broken
#3 Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar's inclusion in the World Cup squad raised many eyebrows. There were strong contenders for the berth he was selected to fill in - not least Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant, both of whom had displayed some promising performances of late.
When he was called in to replace the injured Hardik Pandya in the series against New Zealand, Shankar displayed promising signs. However, he only flattered to deceive in IPL 2019 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, managing only 244 runs in 15 matches with an average of 20.33. Perhaps his ability to chip in with a couple of overs gave him an edge over his rivals, but he hasn't been any exceptional with the ball either.
In the 9 ODIs he played in the run-up to the World Cup 2019, Shankar has taken only 2 wickets. Even in the IPL this year, he only managed one scalp and was also quite expensive more often than not. In the ongoing mega event, he hasn't featured at all for the Men in Blue.
Also see - IND vs PAK head to head stats
#2 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik was selected for India's 15-man World Cup squad ahead of Rishabh Pant probably because of his better wicket-keeping skills. Called in as a reserve wicket-keeper, he will have to warm the benches in all likelihood for the entire tournament.
Shikhar Dhawan's thumb injury had provided some hope to the 34-year-old, who could finally take the field as India's No. 4 with KL Rahul set to partner Rohit Sharma in opening the innings. Nevertheless, Pant has been announced as cover for the southpaw, which hasn't helped Karthik's case at all. In addition, his performances in the warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh have not been reassuring either.
While this could very well be the last World Cup for MS Dhoni given the circumstances, he hasn't announced his retirement yet and might continue to keep the wickets for another year or so. Obviously, the decision is entirely up to the veteran and there is little one can say in protest.
Even if Dhoni throws in the towel after the grand event, the emergence of Rishabh Pant has already jeopardized Karthik's spot in the squad considering the starlet is much younger and consequently, a more reliable investment in the long run.
#1 Kedar Jadhav
As far as one can tell, Kedar Jadhav continues to be a regular in India's starting XI thanks to his unorthodox bowling style. For quite some time, he has come in handy for Virat Kohli and co. by providing crucial breakthroughs and breaking partnerships in the middle overs. Perhaps it is his bizarre bowling action that baffles batsmen or their own complacency that they fall prey to, it continues to be an enigma just like the man himself.
Unfortunately, things have not been working out too well for Jadhav in recent times. He is no longer effective with the ball as in the past and has failed to make any meaningful contribution in the last few ODIs. Age isn't on his side either, with the all-rounder having turned 34 this year.
Needless to say, a plethora of talented youngsters are waiting in the wings to don the Indian colours on international grounds and it won't be too long before Jadhav has to make way for them.
