The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the Indian cricket team for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Monday.
The five national selectors, led by chairman and former India wicket-keeper MSK Prasad, announced the 15-member squad in Mumbai. The squad will represent India in the World Cup, which begins on May 30 in the United Kingdom.
The selection committee's choices have not been surprising because the majority of the elected players have been consistently representing the country in the 50-over format for the last two years.
Indian team for the World Cup
Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (Vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (Wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, MD Shami, Kedar Jadhav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Y. Chahal, Vijay Shankar, Jaspreet Bumrah and Dinesh Karthik.
Source: AAP Image/James Ross
Rohit-Dhawan to open for India
Not surprisingly, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will open the innings for India and KL Rahul comes into the team as a back-up opener. He had a forgettable tour of Australia but 335 runs in the ongoing IPL got him a place in the national team to represent the country at the World Cup.
Karthik over Pant
Young wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant had competition from his senior Dinesh Karthik for the second keeper's place. But he was left out despite of his current form. In his statement about Dinesh Karthik's inclusion chairman of selection committee MSK Prasad said, “Dinesh Karthik's ability to handle pressure and his wicket keeping skills meant that he has got the nod over Rishabh Pant.
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Pandya, Jadeja, Shankar – the all-rounder trio
The selection committee has shown faith in Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar, and picked them for the team as all-rounders.
Vijay Shankar's recent performances against Australia and New Zealand won him position of a seam bowler in English conditions, while Jadeja had an advantage because of his fielding and left-arm spin.
The pace attack
MD Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaspreet Bumrah will be India's frontline pace attack in the World Cup. Their performances in the last few years have earned them places in the team without any doubt in selectors' mind.
Virat Kohli led Indian team will attempt to win India the Wold Cup for the third time in history since 1983 and 2011.
India's schedule in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
India vs South Africa, Jun 05, Southampton
India vs Australia, Jun 09, London
India vs New Zealand, Jun 13, Nottingham
India vs Pakistan, Jun 16, Manchester
India vs Afghanistan, Jun 22, Southampton
India vs West Indies, Jun 27, Manchester
India vs England, Jun 30, Birmingham
India vs Bangladesh, July 02, Birmingham
India vs Sri Lanka, July 06, Leeds
