India's strongest second choice playing XI in ODIs

Most of the slots in India's primary ODI team are sealed. However, their bench strength is still relatively untested. Many players are performing well in domestic cricket and are hoping to get a chance. In case of injuries, the team management may need some backup options.

Let's take a look at what is India's strongest possible second choice playing XI in ODIs.

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#4 Openers

Rishabh Pant has played three ODIs

Rishabh Pant (wk)

Rishabh Pant had an astounding 2018 IPL wherein he was the second highest run-scorer. He got selected for the England tour and scored a century during the Oval Test. The southpaw put on a massive partnership with KL Rahul.

Pant's explosive batting, along with his wicket-keeping skills, are improving. He has shown a lot of versatility and has a good technique.

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw has been in tremendous form of late. Due to his form for India A, he got selected for the England tour. But he did not get a game. Shaw has already started receiving comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar at just 18 years of age. The right-hander is one of the best young batsmen in this generation. His debut Test century against West Indies is an excellent example of the talent that he possesses.

#3 Middle-order

Shreyas Iyer

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has shown his potential across all formats. His form has not been extraordinary over the last few innings that he has played. However, he has shown a glimpse of his prowess.

Rahul's fortunes in the limited-overs formats have been drastically different. His T20i record is second to only Virat Kohli and he performed well in the only ODI that he played recently in the Asia Cup.

Shreyas Iyer (c)

Shreyas Iyer is a player who has been churning out runs for fun over the last few years. He is an integral part of the Mumbai team and can also chip in with a few overs of spin. His aggressive batting can reduce the pressure on his side. The right-hander's consistency is remarkable and he can be relied upon across formats. Furthermore, he can handle pressure well and has shown impressive leadership skills as well.

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal is currently one of the most unfortunate batsmen in the domestic circuit. Despite scoring more than 2000 runs last year in domestic cricket, he has been on the receiving end of the selector's apathy.

Furthermore, plenty of players in lesser form have debuted ahead of Mayank. He is an aggressive batsman who scores at a brisk pace. His excellent technique and fitness are additional attributes. Although he is yet to make his national debut, the right-hander from Karnataka can offer solid bench strength to the ODI lineup.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill started his career with a bang as he emerged as a vital cog in India's victorious U-19 World Cup team. He is now a regular presence in the 'A' teams. The dynamic youngster has a penchant for scoring big. This is evident from his recent performances in the Vijay Hazare trophy. He can develop into a crucial player for India and can provide stability in case of a top order collapse.

#2 All-rounders

Washington Sundar

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has established himself as an integral part of the Mumbai Indians setup. He has a good T20I record and his fielding is one aspect of his that never lets the side down. Pandya can contain the run flow with his economical bowling and can also pick wickets at regular intervals. Also, he can provide explosive batting power in the finishing stages of the innings.

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has been a useful bowler for India in the few matches that he has played thus far. He is renowned for his economical bowling in the Power Play overs. In the IPL, we got a chance to see his batting talent as well. He can develop into a capable all-rounder for India's ODI XI.

#1 Fast bowlers

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur

Despite being in the scheme of things for over two years, Shardul Thakur has only received limited opportunities to showcase his talent. He can bowl a wide range of variations such as the knuckle-ball and various cutters.

Furthermore, Thakur bowls at a decent pace and can consistently touch the low 140s. He posses an effective out-swinger which can bamboozle top-order batsmen. The right-arm seamer hasn't been impressive in the few matches that he has played. However, he is a wicket-taking option with the white-ball.

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj has received just three opportunities to represent India in T20Is. Because of his unimpressive performances in those handful of matches, he could not hold on to his spot in the squad.

Siraj returned to the domestic circuit with renewed intensity and performed consistently for Hyderabad. He bowls at a good pace and possesses excellent accuracy too. The promising pacer offers plenty of variations which coupled with his speed makes for a great combination.

Siddharth Kaul

During the 2018 IPL season, Siddharth Kaul impressed with his accurate line and lengths. He also displayed some of his variations too. He was instrumental in leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the title clash.

Kaul was selected for the England tour but failed to make an impact in the white-ball matches. He was impressive in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the coming future, he is among the pacers expected to form the bench strength to India's primary ODI team.