World Cup 2019: India's five open slots

With the World Cup of 2019 than a year away, every limited overs game played in the world seems to be viewed from that context. This is especially true for India, a team which, despite its dominance in recent times, has several questions it needs to answer with regard to squad selection.

Out of the fifteen players who will travel to England for the World Cup, ten of them seem to already be decided (assuming no fitness concerns). These players are as follows: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Based on the composition of India's previous squads, it can be reasonably inferred that the remaining five slots will consist of three batsmen and two bowlers/bowling all-rounders.

This slideshow looks at the potential contenders to fill these five slots.

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The Batsmen

Contenders: KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Manish Pandey, Ambati Rayudu, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer

KL Rahul, who has been designated as the side's backup opener, is extremely likely to feature in the fifteen-member party which will travel to England. Further, his ability to bat at three, which he has done on a few occasions, further adds to his value and likelihood of featuring in the squad.

Even though he has been in and out of the side, Dinesh Karthik is a reasonable shout to be in the squad. Since his comeback to ODI cricket last year, he has only played 8 matches; however, despite this, he has over 60, a factor worth noting.

Moreover, his exploits in T20 cricket - most notably in the Nidahas Trophy earlier this year - and ability to serve as a backup wicketkeeper, significantly increase his chances of featuring in the side.

However, having primarily been used at the number 4 slot by India, he faces stiff competition from Rayudu, who, after an impressive return to international cricket, is widely considered the favourite to occupy the number 4 slot.

While the aforementioned batsmen - Rahul, Karthik, and Rayudu - are almost certainly the frontrunners to occupy the remaining three batting slots, none of these slots have been sealed yet. Manish Pandey, who has been in sublime form for India 'A' in recent times, still remains a viable contender.

Along with that, many have called for the inclusion of youngsters Shreyas Iyer and, more notably, Rishabh Pant to the side. Lastly, with the recall of several players over the age of thirty, the selectors have made it clear that the door is still open for the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina.

The Bowlers

Contenders: Umesh Yadav, Siddharth Kaul, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Krunal Pandya.

In recent times, India's bowling unit - consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Hardik Pandya has been more settled and potent than it has been for a long period in Indian cricket. This is why it is rather surprising that, with regard to bowling backups, despite having a variety of options, India has not found steady and certain options.

Given that the World Cup is taking place in England, the Indian team will want to take at least one extra seam bowler. Out of the previously mentioned contenders, Shardul Thakur, who has been with the team for the longest time, seems to be the prime contender.

However, that being said, he has rarely featured in the playing XI, and recently, in the Asia Cup, he had a dismal outing in the only game he played; thus, the selectors may turn to other options.

Umesh Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and Siddarth Kaul, all of whom had productive IPLs, have been given chances but they have not been able to seal a spot for themselves. Thus, despite a plethora of options (including some not mentioned in this list), the Indian team has not found its ideal backup seamer yet.

India will also need to include a potential replacement for Hardik Pandya or one of the spinners - this will need to be someone that can bat at seven and contribute at least 6-7 overs every game.

Currently, barring Hardik himself, there seem to be only three contenders that can properly fulfill this role, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Krunal Pandya. Even though Axar has been with the team for the longest time, out of these three, Ravindra Jadeja seems to be the prime contender, largely on the basis of his impressive limited overs comeback.

Krunal Pandya, who seems to be in good touch in the ongoing domestic season, is another serious contender for this position. However, given the ineffectiveness of finger spinners in England, the selectors may go a different route and include an additional fast bowler in the side at the expense of one of these three.