5 Indian Players who might play their first World Cup in 2019

With less than six months to go for the World Cup 2019, all teams will be looking to find the best squad for the showpiece event. The twelfth edition of the World Cup is slated to commence from May 30, 2019, when hosts England will take on South Africa in the tournament opener at The Oval.

The tournament is scheduled to be played in a round-robin format. This will give each team an equal opportunity in the tournament and eventually it will be the most consistent team that will be crowned champions.

Owing to the current form and favorable conditions at home, hosts England will start as a firm favorite to win their maiden World Cup title. Apart from England, two-time World Champions, India too will start as a clear favorite at the World Cup 2019.

While a lot of players will bid adieu post the World Cup, there will be a quite lot of players who will play their first World Cup.

On that note, let's have a look at some Indian players who might play their first World Cup in 2019.

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#5. Kedar Jadhav

Jadhav had a bad start to the 2018 season as he was hit with a hamstring injury in the inaugural IPL match itself. This kept him out of the entire IPL season and he also missed out the England tour.

However, he made a comeback to the side in the Asia Cup tournament where he performed remarkably well. He played a vital role in India's successful title defense.

With India's top order in top-notch form, he did not get many chances to showcase his skill with the bat but he starred with the ball. With an economy of 3.97, Jadhav picked up 6 wickets in 5 matches.

He was handy with the bat too and he scored vital runs whenever the situation demanded. Jadhav has been a consistent performer for Team India and in his short ODI career, he has accumulated 884 runs at an average of 42.09.

Owing to his versatility, Jadhav gets a nudge ahead of other players in contention and nothing other than injury should stop him from taking his place in the World Cup squad.

#3. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is the third Indian to bag an ODI hat-trick

One of India's most exciting prospects in limited overs is Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman bowler has not looked back since his ODI hat-trick against Australia in 2017.

It hasn't taken him too long to become the biggest trump card for India in the shorter formats. Ever since his ODI debut in June 2017, the lad from Uttar Pradesh has bagged 67 wickets in 33 matches at a strike rate of 25.43.

He forms a ruthless pair with Yuzvendra Chahal. He will be the key to India's chances in the upcoming World Cup.

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#3. Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal in action

The lad from Haryana has been a consistent performer for Team India in the limited overs format for the past two years. He made his ODI debut in June 2016. Since then Chahal has bagged 56 wickets in 34 ODIs at an impressive economy of 4.75.

Earlier in the year, he was brilliant for India against South Africa. In six matches against South Africa, he snared 16 wickets at an astounding strike rate of 19.5. His performance was pivotal in providing India their maiden ODI series victory in South Africa.

Currently ranked fifth in the ICC ODI rankings, he is one of India's primary weapons with the ball. His wicket-taking ability will make a big difference in England.

#2. Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah is currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler

Ever since his debut in January 2016, Bumrah has been a key player for India in all formats. He rose to prominence within a very short span of time and currently he is the No.1 ODI bowler.

Arguably the best among the contemporary death bowlers, Bumrah uses his variations and yorkers to perfection which makes scoring in death overs hard for batsmen.

Since his ODI debut in 2016, Bumrah has played 44 matches where he has picked 78 wickets at a strike rate of 28.36 and with an economy rate of 4.45 which is phenomenal.

He bowls a tight line and length which makes scoring runs against him hard for the batsmen. He is a no-brainer in the Indian bowling line-up and it is almost a certainty that he will play the World Cup.

His bowling will also play a decisive role in India's campaign at the World Cup.

#1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya can be the X-factor for India in the World Cup

Hardik Pandya provides a nice balance to the team. He can bat anywhere in the middle order and can attack from the word go. His ability to tonk sixes for fun coupled with his all-round abilities and electric fielding has made him one of the finest all-rounders going around.

The lad from Baroda made his ODI debut in 2016 and has played 42 matches thus far. In 27 innings, he has scored at an average of almost 30 with a pretty impressive strike rate of 114.53. He also has 40 wickets to his name.

Currently, he is nursing his lower back injury which he sustained during the Asia Cup 2018 tournament. He is expected to recover very soon. His return will be crucial as he is an important piece in the Indian Team's jigsaw puzzle and his form will be crucial for India's fortune at the World Cup.