Share this story
For most teams in the 2019 ICC World Cup, the performance of the top three batsmen has been the primary driver of their success. As we hit the midpoint of the event, most sides have already played at least five games. India, however, has had a slightly shorter run with only five fixtures, one of which ended in a washout, meaning they've only actually competed in four matches.ICC World Cup 2019 has played a key role in determining their respective team’s fortunes in this competition thus far. The tournament has already entered into its mid-phase with every team having played at least five matches. India has played the least number of matches, which stands at five, and one of those matches was even washed out by rain. So, they have effectively competed in four matches so far.
When you look at the batting averages for the top order across all competing nations, India leads the pack with an impressive 70.54. New Zealand and Australia are the closest contenders, posting averages of 61.90 and 61.70 respectively.
Much of this success is thanks to Rohit Sharma's phenomenal form. He has amassed 320 runs at a staggering average of 106.66, a tally that includes two century-making performances and one half-century. Virat Kohli has also been a steady presence, contributing 241 runs with an average of 61.00; while he hasn't hit a hundred yet, he has already recorded three fifties.
The only real blow to the lineup has been the loss of Shikhar Dhawan, who is typically India's go-to man in ICC events. He started strong with 125 runs across two games (averaging 62.50) but was forced out of the tournament with a thumb injury following his century against Pakistan. In his stead, KL Rahul has stepped up admirably, adding 87 runs in two outings at the top of the order with a solid average of 43.50.
What's even more impressive is how quickly the Indian top order is scoring. Their collective strike rate of 93.71 is the third-highest in the competition. Furthermore, in just four matches, the top three have combined for eight scores of 50 or more, three of which were centuries. Only Australia and England have more fifties (10 and 9 respectively), but they've had the advantage of playing six matches each.
If we only count runs scored in matches that the teams actually won, India's 776 runs move them up to second place. Since India remains undefeated, every run has contributed to a win. Australia leads this specific category with 888 runs from five victories. England follows closely behind India with 719 runs from four wins. Additionally, India's top-order average of 70.54 is the highest among all teams with at least two wins, and their eight fifty-plus scores are tied for the most in that group with Australia.
Despite this efficiency, India's top three currently sit fourth in terms of total runs scored in the tournament, with 776 runs to their name.
Australia, England, and Bangladesh have all scored more—1,049, 937, and 849 runs respectively. However, it's important to note that all three of these teams have played two more matches than India has.
Meanwhile, six other teams—including South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan—have failed to match India's total despite having more time at the crease. South Africa is a prime example; their top order is still trailing India by 151 runs, even though they've played three more games.
Ultimately, India's top order has been arguably the most effective in the tournament so far. Their contributions have been the cornerstone of every victory, and it's clear that their continued form will be the deciding factor in India's path forward in the competition.
Written by: Prasenjit Dey