Poorvaja's Indian World Cup 15: 'It's not hard to pick'

The ongoing IPL has given us all, and perhaps the selectors too, an idea of who and what might click for the Men in Blue as they head to the UK for the World Cup next month.

Rishabh Pant can be included as a back-up wicket-keeper, but he will need to be consistent to show the selectors that they have someone they can bank on.

My world cup 15 has not been too hard to pick. The ongoing IPL has given us all, and perhaps the selectors too, an idea of who and what might and might not click for the Men in Blue as they head to the UK for the World Cup next month. Here are who I think will make the cut:

 

1. Rohit Sharma (VC)

2. Shikhar Dhawan

Rohit Sharma and Dhawan have been a stable opening pair and have delivered for the most part. An in-sync and settled opening pair is something India will want to get it going in English conditions.

3. Virat Kohli (C)

4. Ravindra Jadeja

Kohli has often spoken about the need to have more than one all-rounder in the team. Jadeja is an obvious choice on that account.

5. MS Dhoni

I don’t think I need to explain why this man makes it in the squad. Dhoni knows these conditions and reads the game and players better than most. His experience will be invaluable in England. It also helps that he's a reliable finisher as India often finds itself running to him to save innings.

6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

7. Mohammad Shami

8. Jasprit Bumrah

This three-headed pace attack has provided decent success for India, whenever fit. They can also double up to handle some swing which is going to be invaluable in our bowling arsenal.

9. Rishabh Pant

10. Hardik Pandya

Pant has shown us what he is capable of. The left-handed batsman can be included as a back-up wicket-keeper, but he will need to be consistent to show the selectors that they have someone they can bank on. Pandya is the other option. His exploits with the bat and ball are well-known and going by the rampage he went on against Chennai Super Kings, it is safe to assume that he has a good chance to make the cut.

11. Kuldeep Yadav

12. Yuzvendra Chahal

This spin duo has been consistent barring a disappointing show Down Under. I don’t think India will want to break this combination, though. We could use some quality spin in English conditions.

13. Kedar Jadhav - Is my pick for a back-up spinner

14. Umesh Yadav - will do well as an additional seamer

15. KL Rahul - With his recent century in the IPL, Rahul has made a strong case to be considered for the World Cup squad. He seems to be in good form and will be crucial in India’s aim to strengthen it’s batting line-up.

The writer is the M&E director at an educational NGO in Bangalore.