'India's core-squad already decided for World Cup': Chief selector Prasad
The ICC World Cup 2019 is set to start from May 30 onwards. India have enjoyed a good run in this format since the start of 2018. There is a lot of anticipation among fans regarding the 15-member squad, which would board the plane to England. In this light, the BCCI's chief selector MSK Prasad opened up about the team-selection. Here's what he said.
India have been in commanding form in ODIs and since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, the side has won a total of nine ODI series out of ten. Team India's only loss came in England. This year has seen the Indian team winning ODI series in Australia and New Zealand. They will face the Aussies next at home in a five-match ODI series.
Several players across departments have already sealed their spots, as India look well-settled. The team had one major issue regarding the number four batting position. But, Ambati Rayudu played well in the ODIs against New Zealand to improve his chances. Further, players like Mohammed Shami, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik have also made strong cases. MS Dhoni's form is a good sign as well.
India had some issues especially in batting and tried out several players in the middle-order. But now they look settled. In an interview to The Times of India, MSK Prasad said that recent performances of certain players have helped the selectors to identify positions.
"We have made up our minds with regard to the core team that will figure in the World Cup. The IPL is a major tournament that throws up a variety of challenges. I'm sure the IPL will help (selected) players with their form," said Prasad.
June 5: India vs South Africa (Southampton). June 9: India vs Australia (The Oval). June 13: India vs New Zealand (Nottingham). June 16: India vs Pakistan (Manchester). June 22: India vs Afghanistan (Southampton). June 27: India vs West Indies (Manchester). June 30: England vs India (Birmingham). July 2: India vs Bangladesh (Birmingham). July 6: India vs Sri Lanka (Leeds).
Here's our prediction: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Vijay Shankar.
