How the IPL 2019 can help India win the World Cup this year - 5 key points

#3 The 3rd seamer

Australia v India - T20

Who is India's 3rd seamer to partner Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar? This has been another perennial question that India has been seeking answers to. Starting from Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur to Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, India have tried plenty of options.

But, just like the notorious number 4 spot, no individual has been able to cement his position. Unlike the number 4 position though, the 3rd seamer is more about inclusion of variety rather than being a go-to necessity. In the past, India has gone in with the combination of 2 pacers and 2 leg spinners along with Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav to finish off the quota of 50 overs, and it worked with decent success as well.

Nevertheless, it is a position that captain Kohli has been endorsing quite often of late. Khaleel Ahmed delivered some impressive performances in the Asia cup and followed it up in the series against the Windies. Shami also seems to be regaining his lost touch. With key pacers including Bumrah and Bhuvi more than likely to be rested rested, this IPL could well turn out to be an audition of sorts for the position of the 3rd seamer in the Indian ODI team.