5 reasons why India can win the 2019 World Cup

After the shocking group stage exit from the 2007 World Cup, the Indian team's performance at all the ICC events was noteworthy. With less than a year left for the start of the cricketing extravaganza, India currently ranked No.2 behind the hometown team will be looking forward to lifting the coveted trophy for the third time.

India has been performing on a consistent basis after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final of the last World Cup. India was the numero uno side before England moved ahead of them recently. In last year's Champions trophy that was played in England, India fell short in the final and they will look to go one step ahead next year.

In the 10-team tournament, India is definitely one of the top contenders to win the tournament. India's case becomes stronger considering the fact that India will be touring England for the next two and half months, giving them ample time for the players to prepare.

In addition to that, here are the five reasons why India can win the World Cup in 2019:

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#5 Dangerous opening combination

Rohit-Dhawan have been exceptional for the Indian team at the top

Shikhar Dhawan is known for bringing on his 'A-game' at the ICC events. He had a good time in the two champions trophies played in England. He was the leading run-scorer in last two editions of the now discontinued tournament. Shikhar Dhawan has been in the form of his life for the last one year or so and he will look forward to replicating the same in next year's tournament.

His partnership with Rohit Sharma, the only batsman to score three double centuries in ODI cricket, has been quite fruitful for the Indian team. The two batsmen together have scored 3323 runs opening the innings for India. The two put together 12 century and 9 half-century partnerships, showing that the two batsmen are not only capable of playing a quickfire innings at the top but also have the ability to play deep into the innings.

Rohit Sharma has been a very reliable batsman for Indian team after he started opening the innings in 2013 Champions trophy. Since then the supremely talented right-handed batsman has scored 4616 runs in 94 games at an average of 55 in ODI cricket. During this period, he made as many as 15 hundreds and now we can undoubtedly say that moving up the order is the best thing to happen in Rohit Sharma's career.

With the dynamic duo set to open the innings for India at the World Cup, India will definitely hope for some great starts and their performances will be crucial to India's success in the tournament.

#4 The best wrist spinner duo

Kuldeep and Chahal have been a revelation for the Indian team

The inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian limited-overs side has been a revelation. As the ODI format evolved the role of wrist spinners faded a little as teams started to focus on the control of runs in the middle overs.

But with the new rules and field restrictions, the batting sides are now adopting a more attacking approach in the middle period which directly translates to more wicket-taking opportunities for the bowling side. These changes meant that wrist became more effective in the middle overs of an ODI and India are lucky to have two world-class wrist spinners.

The additional advantage of having wrist spinners in the side is that they can generate spin even on surfaces which are not conducive to spin bowling. The combined statistics of the duo (Chahal and Kuldeep) in ODIs is impressive as they accounted for 81 (43+39) wickets in 40 (22+18) combined innings, which means that they account for four wickets in almost every match.

#3 Death bowling expertise

Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with Bumrah will be key to India's success

One key aspect that differentiates the Indian team from most teams in the World Cup next year is the presence of top-notch death bowling options. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have become a formidable duo and are ensuring that the scoring rate is under control even in the death overs.

The way in which the two premium fast bowlers have evolved over a period of time makes them much more valuable to the team. Bumrah is no more just a bowler who relies only on the yorker. Even though yorker remains his biggest weapon, Bumrah added quite a few variations in his pace and length making him more potent.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, on the other hand, burst into the international arena primarily as a swing bowler. In the last few years, Bhuvneshwar has not only added pace but also the mastered many new variations - slower ones, cutter, and the knuckleball.

#2 MS Dhoni's finishing skills

Dhoni's expertise on the field might prove to be the X-factor

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's years of experience in pressure situations will be crucial for the Indian team in the 2019 World Cup. It is well known that his influence is not just restricted to batting. The immense knowledge that the cricketing genius possesses is invaluable in a tournament of such high stakes.

Off late, MS Dhoni had to face the wrath of the fans and critics after he failed to finish off few close games. But Dhoni the batsman answered the questions raised with the bat during the recently concluded IPL. He had a great season, probably his best, as he blew away oppositions at the death on a regular basis.

In his stance, Dhoni has opened up his bat face a little bit enabling him to play the wide yorkers effectively. Previously, his closed bat face made him a pre-dominantly onside batsman. He also has a shuffle in his arsenal now allowing him to get in line with the stumps.

The soon-to-be thirty-seven years young MS Dhoni has also become much fitter and stronger. MS Dhoni back to being 'The Finisher' will definitely make a huge difference to India's campaign, making them one of the top contenders to lift the trophy.

#1 Virat Kohli's flamboyance

Virat Kohli definitely has the ability to lead Indian team to their third World Cup

Flamboyance is just the tip of an iceberg when one starts describing the Indian captain. Virat Kohli is a combination of flamboyance, tactics, methodology, aggression, skill, attitude, and a lot more.

Kohli is an irreplaceable part of the Indian side and the hopes of 1.3 billion people rest on his shoulders. The way in which the Indian cricket team looks at fitness has changed after Virat Kohli became the captain of the side. Thanks to his efforts, India is now one of the best fielding sides in the world.

The Indian skipper has been consistent with the bat and has shown intent to perform well in all conditions. The upcoming tour of England will definitely help him and the whole side to prepare well for the next year's tournament.

With Virat expected to continue his ominous form with the bat and in the field even in England, India definitely will look to trump the home team who are the favorites to win the tournament.