IPL 2019: Four players for whom this season can be make or break before the World Cup

Over the years, IPL has become an important stepping stone in Indian cricketers' journey to the highest level. There are players that have been awarded national call ups based on their IPL performances. However, this year's IPL has become all the more significant because of the fact that it is going to be followed by the biggest competition in cricket, the World Cup.

With just over two months left, the squads of the teams have been more or less finalized. However, the Indian middle-order is still looking quite shaken. With a slew being given chances over the last two years, none of them has gone on to cement their place in the playing XI.

India is still looking for players who can consolidate in case of a top-order collapse as well as consolidate with some big hitting in the death overs. With MS Dhoni not being at his destructive best, the onus has remained on the top 3 to score the majority of runs.

There are players who have shone in parts but the impact performances have thus far, remained elusive. If India are to repeat their glory of 2011, they have to have players of the mold of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina.

With each team having to play all the other teams in the league stage, the batting is going be seriously tested. Expecting the top order to fire in every single game would be naive. Even a player like Kohli can have a bad day.

That's what makes this IPL all the more significant for players vying for spots in the middle order for this world. Let's have a look at 4 such players for whom this IPL can be a ticket to their World Cup dreams.

---

#4 Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu needs to find his form back this season playing for CSK.

The Hyderabad born batsman is certainly not the luckiest of cricketers. Known to be a young prodigy, Ambati Rayudu couldn't quite achieve those heights in international cricket. Incidents like an alternative career in the ICL and feuds with state association have plagued his career.

However, the last two years have been quite productive for Rayudu. An unsettled Indian middle-order needed a workhorse like player who could consolidate in the middle overs and Rayudu is known to play that role really well.

The right-handed batsman holds a good average in ODIs but acceleration in the last few overs has been an issue for him. The best bet for Rayudu in the lineup is at No. 4.

Rayudu's chances of being in starting XI were good until the last two series. His form has dipped drastically in the last few games and IPL is the only platform left before the World Cup for him to push his case for a place in the starting XI.

A good season of IPL may put Rayudu ahead of others in the pecking order.

#3 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant needs to prove his mettle with the bat alone.

When it comes to career timeline, Rishabh Pant and Rayudu are at opposite ends of it. While the former is still finding his feet in international cricket, the latter is in his mid-30s and doesn't have more than 2-3 years of cricket left in him. And yet, here they are, probably competing for the same spot in the playing XI, the No. 4 position.

Pant's success story has been an inspiring one. Hitting his first ball in Test cricket to a six was Pant's way of introducing himself to the world. He was fearless against the best attacks of the world and has centuries in England and Australia to show.

However, the over-attacking nature of his game has at times cost him his wicket. In a mega-event like the World Cup, the team would need each player to stick to the team's plans and if needed, curb the natural instincts.

Given that Dhoni is certain to play this World Cup, India is looking at Pant as a proper batsman and that would require more consistent performances. Pant needs to come up with some match-winning performances for Delhi to be part of the playing XI in England.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

DK may be the finisher India is looking for.

Dinesh Karthik has been around in international cricket even before Dhoni. Before the MSD era, Karthik had become the first choice wicket-keeper batsman. Ever since his batting has improved drastically and he remains one of the safest pair of hands behind the wickets.

Karthik's big hitting abilities and his ice like demeanor in the slog overs had almost secured his place in the team especially after the last ball six in the Nidahas Trophy final and multiple such innings for KKR in 2018.

However, judgemental errors in the New Zealand series, none bigger then denying a single to Krunal Pandya, proved to be too costly. As a result, the Tamil Nadu batsman got dropped in the series against Australia.

Karthik will have to be at his best for KKR this season and finish games if he is to make it to the world cup or it could be curtains to his international career.

#1 KL Rahul

Rahul can provide stability in the Indian middle-order.

The Karnataka born batsman is easily the most talked player in recent times. His technique is second to none and he is highly talked of in the cricketing circles. However, a player of his demeanor has flattered to deceive more often than not. As a cricket fan, it has been frustrating to see such a talent getting wasted.

With Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma performing at the top, KL Rahul looks most suited for a spot at No. 3 or 4. Given that Indian batting line-up has become top-heavy, a player of Rahul's class can be extremely impactful in the middle order.

However, just like other players in this list, Rahul too has had a fluctuating form for the longest of times and if anything, he needs to score big runs as just the 30s and 40s won't do.

Rahul had a great season with KXIP last year. A repeat performance of last year could cement his place in the starting XI in England. The right-handed batsman has a proper technique to counter the bowler-friendly English conditions and can adapt to playing the consolidating as well as the attacking game.