ICC World Cup 2019: 3 selection problems India might face during the tournament

We witnessed some top-class cricket in the biggest T20 tournament of the world but now it’s time to witness even more high-quality cricket in the biggest tournament of cricket. The ICC World Cup isn’t far away and everybody is eagerly waiting for it. England will be hosting the World Cup after 20 years and the conditions are as different as they can be. In 1999, there was swing and seam whereas this time the pitches will be like highways. They are pretty flat and scores in excess of 300 or even 350 are a must. The bowlers will have to be at their best or they will go the distance in the upcoming World Cup.

Talking about the favourites, the hosts are definitely up at the top as they are the No.1 ODI side in the world right now. Alongside England, India too starts as one of the favourites. India, the runners-up in the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, would look to go all the way this time. India has a well-balanced unit but still, they will face a few problems when it comes to selection. So here are the three problems India will face while selecting their team.

#3 Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Mohammed Shami: Who is the second pacer?

It would be a hard choice between Shami and Bhuvi

After performing consistently for India in all the three formats for the last 18-24 months, there should be no doubt that Jasprit Bumrah will be the first choice pacer in the Indian team. He is probably the most important player in the team after Virat Kohli.

India like in to go with two spinners and then there is Hardik Pandya as their fifth bowler, so only one pacer's spot remains open. So, the main question is to who will partner Bumrah in the World Cup?

Mohammad Shami was an integral part of the 2015 World Cup in which India made the semis whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a constant for the last 12-18 months. Shami has been in great form while on the other hand, Bhuvi can swing the ball upfront if the conditions are favourable.

Shami is a genuine wicket-taker but Bhuvi is a better death bowler. It would be a tough choice between these two pacers. Having said that, at the moment it seems as if Shami might just be slightly ahead in the race.

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#2 Ravindra Jadeja or two wrist spinners?

Will India take the risk of playing both the wrist spinners?

India will definitely go in with two spinners because that’s the formula which has worked for them. But the question to answer is whether India goes in with two wrist spinners or India play safe and go with Ravindra Jadeja who can bat a bit at No.8?

In the recent series against Australia, India played safe as one of the wrist spinners had to make way for Ravindra Jadeja. The advantage with Jadeja is that he will not only offer you some runs with the bat but also will save plenty of runs in the field. He is the best fielder in the current Indian side. If Jadeja is to be picked, then which wrist spinner will be left out?

Looking at the current form Kuldeep Yadav might have to sit out. He was even dropped form the KKR side for the last few games and he doesn’t seem to be in the right space of mind. Having said all this, you have to remember that it’s the two wrist spinners who are taking a bucketful of wickets in the middle overs. You never know, Virat Kohli might just take the gamble of playing “KulCha” together.

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#1 Who bats at number 4?

The No.4 for India is becoming a joke!

This has to be the most staple question before the start of a new series. It's funny in a country full of batting talent how India still can’t find their ideal number 4.

Two months before the World Cup, Ambati Rayudu was almost fixed as India’s No.4 for the World Cup and to many people’s surprise, he didn’t even make the final 15. When the squad was announced the chairman of selectors mentioned that Vijay Shankar is going to bat at No.4. He hasn’t scored enough runs in the IPL and now there are question marks over his position in the team. The Indian captain believes in current form, so it would be interesting to see what he does now.

Ravi Shastri in an interview mentioned that India has plenty of options to bat at No.4. They might have plenty of options but do they know the correct option. The question which started troubling India after the Champions Trophy in 2017 still is having the same effect with less than 15 days to go for the tournament!

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