5 batsmen who can become the leading run-scorer in 2019 World Cup

With every passing day, the 2019 World Cup is getting closer. Teams are resting important players, trying new players and probably doing everything they feel would work for them in the mega event. As a precaution, certain teams are not allowing their key players to participate in the full season of the IPL as it finishes just days before the biggest tournament in cricket.

The 2019 World Cup will witness numerous modern-day greats facing off against each other in an attempt to win the coveted trophy for their country. Here are five star batsmen who can become the leading run-scorer in cricket's premier tournament to be held in England & Wales.

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#5 Babar Azam

Babar Azam can definitely be considered a lone shining spot in recent times for Pakistan cricket. Although only 24, he is already on track to be one of the greatest Pakistani batsmen ever.

Babar has scored 2267 runs in 54 ODIs at an impressive average of 51.25 with 8 centuries to his name. The fact that he plays most of his cricket in UAE, where run scoring isn't that easy due to sluggish pitches, makes his record more appreciable.

Currently ranked fifth in ICC's rankings for ODI batsmen, Babar has proved that he has the game to score in challenging conditions. In the ongoing Test series in South Africa, he has looked in great touch against the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

Babar might not have the power to smash big sixes but a career ODI strike-rate of 84.77 proves that he can score runs briskly. Pakistan's batting lineup has been struggling for a long time and they would dearly hope that their star batsman can come good in the global tournament.

#4 Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor has been piling on the runs in recent ODIs

Ross Taylor has always had all the features that are associated with great batsmen. He can rotate the strike, hit the long ball and probably bat just how the game demands. The only thing that had separated him from the greats of the game was consistency.

During the last 12 months or so, he has turned himself into one of the most consistent batsmen going around. That he has six fifty-plus scores in his last six ODI innings is a testimony of his consistency. A career strike rate of close to 83.17 in 210 ODIs indicates that he is a brisk scorer as well.

Along with skipper Kane Williamson, Taylor forms a strong middle order pair that can deliver strong performances on a regular basis. The 34-year old holds the record for most number of centuries (20) for New Zealand in ODI cricket. The Blackcaps will be hoping that a few more centuries can follow in the World Cup.

#3 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has taken his white-ball game to a different level

After a sluggish start to his career, Rohit Sharma hasn't looked back since he started opening the batting in ODIs in 2013. The only player to have scored 3 double centuries in 50-over cricket, he has proved his class time and again in the ODI format.

Rohit's career is often seen in two halves - before and after 2013. 1978 runs in 81 innings at a mediocre average of 30 was all he was able to manage before 2013. A bold decision by MS Dhoni to make him an opener during the Champions trophy changed his career completely.

As of today, Rohit has more than 7454 runs from 193 ODIs at an average of 47.78 and a strike-rate of 88.67. He has racked up 21 centuries and been remarkably consistent since becoming an opener. India will be hoping that he continues his rich vein of form at the 2019 World Cup.

#2 Joe Root

Joe Root has a stellar record in home conditions

Joe Root has played a massive role in taking England to the number one spot in the ICC ODI rankings. His stellar consistency has helped England put up massive scores whenever they come out to bat.

Root's conversion from fifty to hundred seemed a problem a while back, but now he seems to have corrected it in recent times. More than 42 scores of fifty-plus in 115 innings speaks volumes of his consistency.

The fact that his team is packed with power hitters like Jos Buttler, Jason Roy and Ben Stokes makes it much easier for Root to play at his own pace and anchor the innings.

England have had a great run in 50-over cricket and start the World Cup as favourites. Having never won the tournament, they would want their best player to rise to the occasion on home soil.

#1 Virat Kohli

Kohli is among the greatest ever batsmen to play ODI cricket

Words aren't enough to describe the level of consistency Virat Kohli has maintained. Year after year, he keeps on churning out runs for his country. Before 2018, he was part of the 'Fab Four' group comprising Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root. But his performances last year have elevated Kohli to a completely different level.

Kohli's captaincy has had an extremely positive impact on the team and the confidence he carries has rubbed off on every player. He, along with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, form a magnificent top-order which can win matches on their own.

Having already tasted World Cup success as player in 2011, India will be hoping that Kohli becomes the third Indian captain to lift the coveted trophy.