India XI: Optimal Squad for ICC WC 2019

Opening Pair

The bromance between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan is strong

With no other opening pair prepared, our beloved Gabbar-Hitman combo has been working great for India. To be more correct, this opening pair has been more successful than any other opening pair in the world and should continue unchanged despite the situation.

I am not sure whether the selectors are looking at KL Rahul as a substitute opening player and hence his recent inclusion despite a string of dismal performances, but whatever be the case, I find no reason for KL Rahul to be substituted for any other player in the playing XI.

My logic is pretty simple - while some people might argue that KL Rahul might be suffering on form and he still has a class, I don't think it is wise to include him on quite a few counts.

First, his poor form will affect his confidence and we do not want a player with such low confidence going on to play for India in the World Cup where confidence plays a key role. Second, he is presently in a threat mentality over a challenge mentality. So, any challenge thrown his way will backfire as he will fail in living up to the challenge.

Third, he might be a good player but he does not have the mentality to be great. He succumbs under pressure and if you remember the recently concluded Australia test series, you should also remember that after getting out for a paltry score, he went on to the nets to practice his batting more. That indicates either he is ill-prepared or he thinks he is ill-prepared, none of which is the mentality of a person who deserves to be in the team.

With everyone high on form and confidence, we do not want someone who will end up dragging everyone down.