The Indian cricket team for the World Cup 2019 in England and Wales is set to be announced on April 15.
According to ANI, there are a few spots yet to be confirmed, hence the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are keeping close tabs on the performances of the players in the ongoing Indian T20 League.
Further reports claim that the senior selection committee along with the captain Virat Kohli is set for a meeting on next Monday, where the conundrum of the number 4 spot will be discussed closely. And the 15-man squad will be announced soon after.
Ambati Rayudu was expected to fill the spot, but a string of poor performances against New Zealand and Australia has put his spot under heavy threat. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who coaches the Delhi team in the Indian T20 League, though believes that Rayudu is he man of the hour of the hour.
"I would be picking him in the Indian team as the batsman for No.4 as he can win you the game with his talent," Ponting had said.
The likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will also be considered during the selection.
Although the last date of announcing the squad is April 23, BCCI have decided to name theirs much earlier. Meanwhile, vice-captain Rohit Sharma had previously hinted that Virat Kohli’s and Ravi Shastri’s call will be crucial in the process.
"I think we are pretty much settled. There are a few spots (undecided) which everyone knows about but again that depends on what the captain and the coach and the selectors think whether they want to go for the extra seamer or the extra spinner or extra middle order player or a reserve opener.
"It also depends upon the conditions. The last time we were in England, the conditions were quite dry. I don’t know how things will be. So if it is like that than you take an extra spinner, as simple as that. If it’s not then probably take the extra seamer,” he said in Mumbai.
The World Cup 2019 kicks off on May 30, with the hosts England taking on South Africa at the Oval. As far as Indian are concerned, the Men in Blue will play their first match against South Africa on June 5.
