IPL 2019: First One Month Will be Crucial for World Cup Selection – BCCI Official
Mar 19, 2019 at 11:23 AM
A Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India official has confirmed that the first one month will be crucial for the World Cup selection. In fact, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and chief selector MSK Prasad had earlier confirmed that the IPL performances will not play a part in the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, India’s series loss against Australia has resurfaced some earlier wounds.
The number four position is still not locked. Furthermore, the BCCI official has revealed that there are some still slots to grab in the squad. Meanwhile, it would be interesting to note whether the Indian board will consider IPL performance. In fact, the current form is going to play a key role and the Indian think tank might give another thought to their planning.
Places up for grab.
Furthermore, there are still missing pieces in India’s World Cup jigsaw. The middle order’s inconsistency has left the team with some unanswered questions.
“With all the chopping and changing and experimentation and recent performances of the team, the No.4 slot is not yet sealed and if you ask me, a couple of other positions are also open since some players have not developed as well as one hoped over the last year. With the team selection slated for around April 20, the first month of the IPL will be crucial for the team selection for the World Cup,” the official said while talking to IANS.
Meanwhile, no batsman was able to grab his opportunities in the middle order in the series against Australia. In fact, there was a lot of chop and change. Subsequently, no batsman was able to get regular chances in the series against Australia.
“It was thought that the Australia series would help cement all spots for the World Cup. But that hasn’t happened and technically you now have four batsmen fighting for the No.4 slot. In fact, coach Ravi Shastri has even spoken of the option of having Kohli at 4, but that then depends on conditions and match situation. He won’t go into the tournament as India’s no.4,” the source told IANS.
Ambati Rayudu is likely to grab his chance at the number four position as he has an average of 42 in the last 15 matches. However, the right-hander must be in good form in the IPL to claim his World Cup position.
IPL 2019 will kickstart from 23rd March whereas the World Cup will begin from 30th May.