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Most of the Indian squad members are making their World Cup debut in 2019, with only a few experienced players—namely Dhoni, Kohli, Sharma, Dhawan, and Shami—having previous experience in the event. While it's an exciting opportunity for the ten newcomers, the real question is who will actually step up and make a difference. Here are the players most likely to leave a mark.ICC World Cup 2019 is going to be the first ever World Cup for all Indian players except the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni and Mohammad Shami, who have already featured at least once previously. It is a moment to savour for the other 10 players in the squad as this is going to be the first time they are going to be a part of this mega event. However, only a few of them will go on to make a significant impact in the tournament. So, who are those Indian players we need to keep an eye on during the World Cup? Let’s have a look.
Jasprit Bumrah
At just 25, he has already established himself as the main threat in India's pace attack since his 2016 debut. His record in one-dayers is stellar, having taken 85 wickets in just 49 games while maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 4.51. His recent performances in warm-up games against Bangladesh and New Zealand show he's in great rhythm, and he's expected to be a major force throughout the tournament.
KL Rahul
He's long been viewed as one of the country's most versatile batsmen across all formats. Despite being a staple in Test and T20I cricket, he has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the ODI side. This World Cup could be his turning point, especially after hammering a brilliant century under pressure in a warm-up match against Bangladesh. He'll be looking to carry that confidence into the main event to make his first World Cup a success.
Hardik Pandya
India finally found the seam-bowling all-rounder they had been searching for in Hardik Pandya back in 2016, and he has since become an indispensable part of the team. He enters this tournament with massive momentum following a standout season in the Indian T20 League with Mumbai, where he contributed 402 runs and 14 wickets. Likely slotted at number 7—though potentially promoted based on the game's flow—he will be tasked with both stabilizing the batting and bowling his full allotment of overs.
Kuldeep Yadav
Since entering the scene, no ODI bowler has been more prolific than Kuldeep Yadav. He's claimed 87 wickets in just 44 matches, boasting an incredible average of 21.74 and a strike rate of 26.4. Currently ranked among the world's elite spinners, his deceptive googlies often leave batsmen clueless. Given that English pitches often favor the bat, Kuldeep's wrist-spin will be India's primary weapon for breaking partnerships.
Kedar Jadhav
At 34, Kedar Jadhav is making his World Cup debut, and given his age, this could be his final shot at the trophy. He's highly motivated to leave a lasting legacy for his fans and teammates. Serving as the reliable number 6, Jadhav brings a blend of technical proficiency and raw power, evidenced by his 43.48 average and a strike rate over 100. Additionally, his unique bowling style—reminiscent of a slower Lasith Malinga—has become a surprise asset for India, with 27 wickets proving he is more than just a part-time option.
Written by: Prasenjit Dey