7 Indians for whom the New Zealand series is crucial to find a place in the World Cup squad

Four players who are in with a real chance:

#4 Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed - The pace bowling option with a difference

Khaleel Ahmed had an impressive debut in the Asia Cup when he took 3 wickets in his first International match against Hong Kong. He continued his good form in the home series against the West Indies with 7 wickets in 4 matches. However, he had a poor start in Australia when he went for plenty in the first ODI at Sydney and was dropped thereafter.

As such, in the Indian squad for the World Cup, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are certainties. Mohammed Shami, with his performances in the Australian ODI series, has almost booked his place in the World Cup squad. Hardik Pandya will be the seam-bowling all-rounder.

For the reserve seamer's place, Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed are the only real contenders. Out of the two, Khaleel is way ahead in the contest and his left-arm medium pace style would lend more variety to the Indian squad.

In the current New Zealand tour, Khaleel might get his share of opportunities to consolidate his position in the team. It would be a real challenge for him to bowl to the New Zealand batsmen on their home turf on batting-friendly conditions. A decent performance in the current series would enhance his chances of being in the World Cup squad.