5 Indian players who can make it in the World Cup squad

The countdown begins for ICC World Cup 2019 as the mega event kicks off on 30th May next year. All the top 10 teams will be competing against each other in a round-robin format, out of which only top 4 will qualify for the semi-finals.

Virat Kohli and Co have already begun the preparations for the 50-over World Cup, and are almost ready with the core team with only a few spots left to fill. There are a lot of contenders to fill these remaining spots, especially with the middle order not yet settled.

Players, who have performed well in this edition of IPL, will look to continue their form and cement their place in the World Cup squad. Also, experienced players who are currently out of the ODI setup will have the last chance to prove their point.

The selectors and the team management will closely track the performance of all these players and will accordingly select them for the mega event.

Let us find out the contenders who could make it to World Cup squad.

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#5 Lokesh Rahul

KL Rahul has expressed his desire to play in the World Cup and would bat at no 4 if required

Lokesh Rahul could be the backup opener in case if Rohit Sharma or Shikhar Dhawan struggle in the top order or even could be slotted at number four to strengthen the middle order. In IPL 2018, the Karnataka batsman looked in sublime form and scored the runs consistently for Kings XI Punjab. He scored 659 runs in 14 matches at an amazing average of 54.91 and strike rate of 158.41.

Rahul has also made a comback in the ODI and T20I squad for the England tour. This tour will be very important for him as the World Cup will be at the same venue with similar conditions.

Though he has failed to deliver in the 50-over format, he has displayed great maturity and consistency in this IPL, which could make a strong case for next year's World Cup selection.

#4 Suresh Raina

Raina can score quick runs which could release some pressure in the middle order

Suresh Raina had made a come back into the Indian team passing the fitness test and also looked in good touch against the Proteas. He had a decent outing in IPL scoring 445 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate above 140.

The Southpaw is currently out of the ODI team but given his immense experience and the ability to score runs in big matches can work in his favor.

Raina was also part of 2011 and 2015 World Cup squads. In 2011 World Cup, he played a crucial knock against Australia in the quarter-final and against Pakistan in the semi-final.

Besides, he can bat anywhere at any position from 4 to 7 and can bowl few overs which could make life easy for the captain.

#3 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja can be the backup all-rounder for Hardik Pandya

Ravindra Jadeja is currently out of the limited-overs squad, but it won't be too long before he storms back into this side. In this IPL season, he has rejuvenated his bowling form and has looked in rhythm. For CSK, he picked up 11 wickets at an economy of 7.39.

In 2013 Champions Trophy held at England, Jadeja was a star performer both with the bat and ball. He picked up 12 wickets in 5 matches at an impressive economy of 3.75. He was the Man of the match in the finals for his impressive all-round performance.

With his all-around abilities and immense experience, he could play a crucial role in the mega-event. His fielding athleticism can also be a huge factor that could work in his favor.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has a lot of experience batting at number 4

After a string of low scores and mediocre IPL outing, Ajinkya Rahane got dropped from the ODI team for the England tour.

The Mumbai batsman has struggled in ODI format, but his strong technique and temperament could work in his favor. In 2015 World Cup, he batted at number 4 and scored 208 runs in 8 matches including the flawless 79 against the Proteas in the league match.

Rahane has a decent record batting at number 4 where he scored 843 runs in 25 matches with five half-centuries to his name.

Considering the conundrum in the middle order, Rahane can seal the middle order spot with consistent performance.

#1 Rishabh Pant

Pant could be the trump card for the World Cup

In IPL 2018, Rishabh Pant was the star performer scoring 684 runs at an amazing strike rate of 173.60 with five fifties and one special knock of 128 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he smashed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 28 runs in the last over. He finished second in the orange cap race.

Pant has been ignored for the ODI and T20I squad but has been selected for India A tour of England. If he performs in this crucial tour, there is no denying that he could find a spot in the middle order.

The swashbuckling batsman from Delhi has scored most of the runs at number 4 which could work in his favor. The ability to play both spin and fast well also gives him an edge over other contenders.