Who could still make India's World Cup squad?

Based on recent performances of the Indian team, as many as 12 players can be considered an automatic choice to play the 2019 World Cup. But the other three spots are still open with as many as nine players in contention. It is not going to be an easy task for the Indian selectors. So let's have a look at the players and the spots for which they are competing.

Dinesh Karthik vs Rishabh Pant

Dinesh Karthik

India will need a backup wicketkeeper for MS Dhoni. The World Cup lasts 46 days and the chances of injury cannot be ignored. The spot will go to either Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant. Karthik has played some good cricket in the last few years and, though he could not cement his spot with performances in Australia and New Zealand, he still remains the favourite to deputise for Dhoni. His ODI record though is now great, scoring 1738 runs at an average of 31 in 91 matches.

On the other hand, Pant has made himself noticed recently by scoring quick centuries in Test matches against England and Australia. But he has only played three ODIs so far and has scored just 41 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja vs Vijay Shankar

Ravindra Jadeja

It is understood that India's top all-rounder Hardik Pandya will play the World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja or Vijay Shankar is likely to go to England as the second all-rounder should the team need one. In the final one-dayer against New Zealand, Vijay proved himself by playing a significant innings of 45 runs. He also bowls a decent right arm fast-medium. But he's played only four ODIs having made his debut in January 2019 against Australia.

On the other hand, Jadeja is an experienced all-rounder who has played more than 100 ODIs for India. He has scored 1,990 runs, including 10 fifties, at an average of 31. He also has 171 wickets at a superb economy rate of 4.89. He is also lightning quick on the field.

Who'll be the fifth bowler?

Umesh Yadav

Jasprit Bumrah, Bhubaneswar Kumar and Mohammed Shami will be India's top fast bowlers. But, considering it is England and the chances of injury, there could be a spot open for another quickie.

Umesh Yadav has improved since the last world cup. He has 106 wickets in 73 innings, but at an economy rate of 6 in ODIs. His experience gives him the edge of his younger competitors.

Then there's young Khaleel Ahmed, who has impressed ever since he made his debut against Hong Kong last year. Khalil has picked up 11 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 5.36. He is also the only left-arm fast-medium bowler in the Indian ranks currently.

Another young and promising bowler is Mohammed Siraj. Although he hasn't played much for India, he has impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL. Siraj was included in the national side because of his performance in the first-class cricket. He has 112 wickets at an outstanding average of 20 in 25 first-class matches.

An extra batsman

KL Rahul

Some experts believe that instead of an extra bowler, the team needs an extra batsman. But the options are slim. KL Rahul has been in poor form recently and Test vice-captain Rahane last played an ODI about a year ago.

Rahul will remain a punt having played only 13 ODIs for 317 runs at an average of 35. He is also known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order and can be a backup opener. Rahul has scored 782 runs at an average of 43.4 and an outstanding strike rate of 148.4 in 25 T20Is. But Rahane has the edge considering his experience, if the selectors are to choose a specialist batsman.