World Cup 2019: 7 players whose place in the Indian squad is uncertain

#5 Vijay Shankar

Shankar missed a golden opportunity to finish the game in the 5th ODI against Australia

Vijay Shankar has had a great time so far. He is technically a sound batsman and has performed decently in the opportunities that were presented to him. He could well be accommodated at number 4, ahead of Rayudu or Pant. The move will even give Virat Kohli more stability as he will have up to 7 bowling options.

Shankar played meaningful knocks in New Zealand and Australia, both coming at critical stages of the game. He even bowled India to victory in the 2nd ODI against Australia in Nagpur, defending 11 runs from the final over by picking up two wickets. Though Shankar’s bowling isn’t as effective as Hardik Pandya's, he could be a good backup option in the side.

Shankar failed in the final ODI against Australia and one will be curious to see if the selectors still stick with him the moment Pandya is back. Shankar’s boarding pass to London depends on the various combinations the team management is aspiring for.

It will depend on whether they want to add a proper batsman in the middle order or go for a fourth pace option in someone like Umesh Yadav. April 23 is tentatively the cutoff date for the teams to submit their squad and it will be interesting to see if Shankar is in the scheme of things for the crucial World Cup