World Cup 2019: 5 Indian players who will be vying for a World Cup berth
The Indian cricket team has one last hurdle to cross at home against Australia before they set off to chase their World Cup dream. However, when India’s T20I and ODI squads were announced, there were some big names missing that have raised eyebrows. Ajinkya Rahane, who was in contention for the third opener’s slot, has been ignored for the Australia series. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is in the T20I squad but has been left out from the ODIs.
While India’s World Cup squad looks almost ready, there are still a few spots up for grabs – a third opener, a left-arm fast bowler, and possibly a middle-order batsman. It’s going to be a happy headache for selectors to pick the final squad.
And to add to this selection dilemma, here are some players playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy who would be keen to get a look in.
Prithvi Shaw
In 2018, an unfortunate injury ended young Prithvi Shaw’s dream of an overseas debut down under, just as he was preparing for the big stage. Dubbed as the ‘Next Sachin’, Shaw played his last game against the Australian Board XI. In the same year, he smashed an explosive century on Test debut against West Indies, impressing skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri. Going into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shaw will be itching to grab every opportunity with both hands and make a case for his inclusion.
Ajinkya Rahane
One of the most technically solid batsmen of Indian cricket, Ajinkya Rahane has been spending more time on the sidelines of the team since a year. But his recent performances for India A against England Lions and the Irani Trophy suggest he may be slowly getting his groove back. With the competition getting fiercer than ever, Rahane will have to come up with something extraordinary if he wants to be on that flight to England.
Manish Pandey
After featuring in the middle order for a long time, an out-of-form Manish Pandey has now been replaced by an in-form Ambati Rayudu at No.4. Pandey last played in the 2018 Asia Cup match against Afghanistan. Despite being selected on the tour of England, he was excluded from the playing XI. However, he has been in scintillating form of late with a century against New Zealand A, and three fifties and a hundred in the Ranji Trophy. If he strikes form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he could well be pushing for his spot.
Jaydev Unadkat
India’s bowling unit has been plagued by the absence of a genuine left-arm fast bowler ever since Zaheer Khan hung his boots. While they tried out options in Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj, both bowlers couldn’t keep their place in the team. With no left-arm pacer in the current setup, Jaydev Unadkat could possibly be the frontrunner in the race, especially after a brilliant Ranji season where he bagged 39 wickets in 8 matches for Saurashtra.
Mayank Agarwal
The flamboyant Mayank Agarwal walked into the Test team when India were struggling with their opening pair against Australia. With a calm and determined mindset, Mayank scored two gritty fifties and earned everyone’s praise. As the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy approaches, he will be looking to cement a spot in the limited overs side as well. Mayank was the leading run-scorer in the 2017-18 domestic season.
