ICC World Cup 2019: Take a look at the Indian Cricket Team’s strengths and weaknesses: An Exclusive Cricket Article Series - By Urban Dsouza(High profile eminent writer- cricket )

The Indian cricket Team led by Virat Kohli will be entering the World Cup 2019 with a lot of expectations. Let’s have a look at the Indian squad’s strengths and weaknesses.

STRENGTHS:

1. Strong top order- The number 2 ODI Team according the latest ICC rankings will benefit from the ongoing form of the top 3 batsmen. Rohit Sharma, after having a successful run at the Indian Premier League by leading his team to the IPL trophy will be keen on utilising his T20 form in ODI’s. The Indian Cricket Team will benefit from having both the top ODI batsman and bowler in their team, i.e. Virat Kohli, who is ranked as no. 1 ODI batsman along with Jasprit Bumrah who is ranked as no. 1 ODI bowler. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have consistently showed their significant contribution to the Indian team by their opening partnership. In 2018, Rohit Sharma managed to score 1,030 ODI runs and Shikhar Dhawan scored 897 ODI runs. However, Virat Kohli still tops the list with 1,202 runs with an exceptional average of 133.55.

2. MS Dhoni's Experience-The experience of 2011 World Cup winning captain, MS Dhoni will be beneficial to the team unit and will definitely be useful to the young players, which includes the likes of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Vijay Shankar who will step in to play their first ever ODI World Cup.

3. Strong bowling unit-Jasprit Bumrah’s incredible performance with the ball and Hardik Pandya’s all round abilities will prove to be a complete package for the team. Along with that, the bowling lineup includes the leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who will be a threat to the other teams.

WEAKNESS:

 Though the top 3 batsmen are India’s biggest strength, if they fail to perform then they will be a bane to the batting side. Being dependant on the top 3 and constant ongoing search for the number 4 spot can be a threat to the team. Vijay Shankar, despite gaining the selectors faith has less experience and it would be all interesting to see this emerging cricketer take up the pressure to win the game.

Now a quick summary of Indian Squad:

Positives:  1.The form of Top Order Batsmen, 2.The presence of utility players, 3.The two leggies, 4.The Pace Value, 5.The Experienced Youngsters

Negatives: 1. Fitness issues, 2.Lack of Reserve players