The national governing body for cricket in India had released the names of India’s 15-man squad on 15th April. Along with the announcement they gave the fans a mild shock when they choose Dinesh Karthik in the squad. The selectors reasoned Karthik’s experience and wicketkeeping skills over Rishabh Pant’s jubilant youth. Karthik has shown his consistency over the years in his game where Pant has just stepped in the cricket world.
The selection has been done on the basis of players’ performances of international games. They have risked choosing Vijay Shankar who has no international experience. Meanwhile, Ambati Rayadu was the surprising exclusion from the squad
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will be the back-up opening batsman and back-up spinners respectively.
India has won two world cup titles, joint-second highest, and they have been runners up one time. Their current squad have the potential to lift the title for the third time. Here are the reasons that make them one of the strongest contenders of the World Cup 2019.
Three Reasons Which Claims India as Strongest Contender:
Dominant Top Order:
India’s top order has been dominating the cricket world since Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma started opening in the Champions Trophy 2013. Once they settle themselves at the crease, bowlers literally struggle to get them off their backs. Furthermore, Virat Kohli at number three is like a cherry on the cake.
With 218 sixes and 696 fours, Rohit is one of the most explosive openers in the world. Rohit had scored his highest score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka.
The consistency shown by these batsman has pushed India up the charts to be as one of the strongest sides of this era. Kohli has been one of the most consistent batsmen in the world. His aggression on the field is what keeps the team’s fans on their toes.