The national selectors on Monday announced the 15-member Indian squad for the ICC World Cup 2019, starting May 30. KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik have made the cut while Rishabh Pant misses out. — BCCI (@BCCI) April 15, 2019 DK beat Pant in the race to become the second wicket-keeper in the Indian team for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. The five wise men of Indian cricket, led by M.S.K. Prasad, met in Mumbai on Monday and picked the 15-member squad. Vijay Shankar goes to the showpiece event as the number four batsman and Ravindra Jadeja has been picked as the third spinner ahead of a fourth pacer. KL Rahul joins in as the back-up opener. While skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, M.S. Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah were automatic picks, there were three main areas of concern that the selectors needed to take a call on. The much-debated number four slot, whether Pant or Karthik go as the second wicket-keeper behind Dhoni and finally, if the team will pick a fourth pacer or an additional third spinner considering that the wickets will be on the slower side at this time of the year in England. The current Indian team management and selectors have often spoken about continuity and that is exactly what they have done with regards to the team for the World Cup. Having tried Shankar at the top, they have backed him in the squad. The fact that Shankar continued to bat at number three or four in this edition of the IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad was another hint that the team management had asked him to settled down to the idea of batting at the top. Karthik has eclipsed Pant to the second wicket-keeper's spot. Even though Karthik failed to do much in the 12th edition of the cash-rich league, the team management had already said they aren't looking at it. However, BCCI chief selector Prasad has made it clear that wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik will not automatically start in the playing XI in the upcoming World Cup and will only get a chance when Dhoni gets injured. Prasad said that Karthik's wicket-keeping skills and ability to handle pressure resulted in him being picked over Pant. "We were all in unison that either Pant or DK will come in only when Mahi is injured. In an important game, wicket-keeping is also important. That's the reason we went with Dinesh Karthik," he said. The chief selector also heaped praises on Pant and said that the left-handed batsman is full of talent. "Pant is full of talent. There's a lot of time for him. It's just unfortunate that he's missed out. Under pressure, we have seen Dinesh Karthik finishing matches. That scored for him," Prasad stated. In the bowling department too, it was a case of backing an in-form Jadeja because not only has he done well for Chennai Super Kings, but also, wickets are expected to be on the slower side in during the showpiece event. More importantly, Jadeja brings with him solidarity at the lower end of the batting and not to forget his brilliance on the field. Pandya, having missed the series against Australia, due to issues with his core is back and fits in as the all-rounder who will also be looked at as the finisher. Speaking over Shankar's inclusion, Prasad said that the 26-year-old all-rounder from Tamil Nadu gives "three dimensions" to the team. "After the Champions Trophy, we have tried quite a few middle-order batsmen, which also included Karthik, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey. We did give a few more chances to Rayudu but Vijay Shankar gives three dimensions. He can bat, if the conditions are overcast he can bowl, plus he is a fielder. We are looking at Vijay Shankar as a number four batsman. Now we have plenty of options for that slot." K.L. Rahul, who has been included as the reserve opener, can bat in the middle order too, if the team management needs, stated the BCCI chief selector. Four additional medium pacers will travel to England with the team as practice net bowlers, said Prasad. India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5. India’s 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami With IANS inputs<doc-sep>-- Advertisement -- With 2019 ICC World Cup just under 45 days way, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member India World Cup squad for the highly anticipated event. The selection of Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant will be the talking point about the squad selection. Apart from the usual faces, Vijay Shankar was amongst the surprise additions to the squad. India’s squad for the ICC #CWC19 announced: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MSD (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Shami — BCCI (@BCCI) April 15, 2019 The ICC World Cup 2019 commences from 30th May with hosts England taking on South Africa. India play their first match on 5th June. -- Advertisement -- This is the complete list of the squad that will be representing India in England: Batsmen Shikhar Dhawan Shikhar Dhawan has been in and out of form for quite some time now. In the recent away tour of Australia, he could manage only 55 runs (including a golden duck) in the 3-match odi series. However, he remains unchallenged at the top spot. He demonstrated his quality in IPL recently, by hitting 97* against KKR. In his last outing in England, he had scored 40, 36, and 44 against the hosts. Rohit Sharma Rohit Sharma has been in good form off late. On the tour of Australia, he scored a 185 runs at an average of 61 including a stunning 133 runs stand at Sydney. High hopes will be pinned from the Hitman in England. Virat Kohli Virat Kohli remains India’s most lethal weapons in England. He had a blockbuster away series against England and Australia. However, along with the willow, the 30-year-old will also have to perform well with the Captain’s hat on. In fact, Ricky Ponting even went as far as to say that if Virat Kohli has a good season, India will win World Cup. Kedar Jadhav Kedar Jadhav faced an injury-marred 2018. But when give chance against Australia, the Maharashtra batsman grabbed it with both the hands. His crucial partnerships with MS Dhoni was crucial for chasing big totals. He too will have a big role to play in England. Jadhav can also be a useful bowler, when called upon. WicketKeepers MS Dhoni MS Dhoni dismal form was a big talking point last year, with many feeling that the veteran wicket-keeper had lost his Midas touch. Fast forward to 2019 and it now seems that Dhoni could arguably be the India’s best hope for the third WC trophy along with Virat Kohli. The 37-year-old has again rediscovered his lost form, having recently starred against Australia and in the IPL as well. Dinesh Karthik In the fight for the No. 4 spot, the question was always between the experienced Dinesh Karthik and the highly potent Rishabh Pant. While some felt that Karthik had the nerves to perform under pressure, others cited that the invaluable World Cup experience shouldn’t be taken away from Pant, widely seen as the long-term replacement for MS Dhoni. And ultimately, the Selectors chose experience over potential. Karthik is not having a great IPL season so far, but comparing T20 performances for an ODI tournament is unwise. Dinesh’s ability to stick around the crease and finish the innings strongly makes him a great prospect for the much-talked about No. 4 spot. Lokesh Rahul Another victim of the infamous KWK controversy, KL Rahul suffered a considerable slump in the recent ODI series. So much so, that the selectors even fielded youngsters in his place. However, Rahul demonstrated his quality in the ongoing IPL by scoring 335 runs. That was enough for the selectors to recall the batsman/wicket-keeper back in the squad. All-Rounders Hardik Pandya 2018 will be a forgetful year for Hardik Pandya, having embroiled himself into a major controversy. That was followed by a major injury that kept him out of the recent series against Australia. Nonetheless, Pandya still remains India’s top choice for a quality all-rounder. He has the ability to hit quick runs towards the end of the innings and can be a resourceful all-rounder. Vijay Shankar All-rounder Vijay Shankar is another prospective for the No.4 spot along with KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik. The SRH-cricketer was included in the series against Australia and performed moderately well. Ravindra Jadeja Ravindra Jadeja will be a useful all-rounder for India. He has been in good form for CSK in IPL this season, and he will have an important role to play for the national team. Fast Bowlers Jasprit Bumrah The selection of Jasprit Bumrah, one of world’s best pacers at the moment, in the India World Cup squad was a no-brainer. The fast-bowler has had an impressive season so far and his wicket-taking abilities will be highly revered for in England. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Another expected selection. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s abilities to swing ball will be an important asset for the Indian team. Much will be expected from him. Mohammed Shami Mohammed Shami completes the Indian pace department. The fast bowler also had a forgetful 2018, both on and off the field. Nonetheless, he has shown signs of resurrection of late. Shami’s pace and bounce would be a great asset for the team on English pitches. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav Kuldeep Yadav starred in India’s tour of England. He scalped 9 wickets in the three-game ODI series, including a Man of the Match performance of 6/25 in the first ODI. India won that match by 8 wickets. Although he is not his greatest form in the ongoing IPL, he will still be India’s leading spinner in England. Yuzvendra Chahal One of the finds of IPL, Yuzvendra Chahal is another bowler that will take control of India’s spin department. The 28-year-old displayed his skills in the tour of Australia, where he recorded the figures of 6/42 at the iconic MCG. Not only that, but he also became only the second bowler to scalp 6-wickets in both ODI and T20I.<doc-sep>India cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal (C) celebrates the wicket of Australia cricketer Peter Handscomb with captain Virat Kohli (R) and teammates during the fourth one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on March 10, 2019. Photo: AFP MUMBAI: India has announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The announcement was made after a five-member committee deliberated on the players to be selected. Virat Kohli (Capt) Rohit Sharma (vc) Shikhar Dhawan KL Rahul Vijay Shankar MS Dhoni (wk) Kedar Jadhav Dinesh Karthik Yuzvendra Chahal Kuldeep Yadav Bhuvneshwar Kumar Jasprit Bumrah Hardik Pandya Ravindra Jadeja Mohd Shami Following New Zealand and Australia, India is the third team to announce its squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup ahead of the April 23 deadline. Defending champions, India is the second-ranked ODI team. India will play its first match against South Africa on June 5 and face arch-rival Pakistan on June 16. Ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, India played an ODI series against Australia losing 3-2.<doc-sep>Kings XI Punjab’s opening batsman KL Rahul is having a fantastic IPL 2019, scoring 317 runs in first 7 matches including an outstanding hundred and 3 fifties. Although the KXIP team is at the 5th position in the IPL Points Table, KL’s form has been brilliant. The timing couldn’t have been better for KL Rahul as the Indian selectors are set to meet on 15th April to pick the 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2019. Before the IPL tournament, Indian skipper Virat Kohli mentioned that performances in Indian Premier League will have no bearing for ICC World Cup squad selection, but it’s hard to completely ignore the current form of a player. “Who should bat at No. 4?“, that has been the debate for team India since ICC Champions Trophy 2017. In several tournaments, the Indian team has tested the likes of Ambati Rayudu, wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik, young Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Vijay Shankar. During a recent interview with Times of India, KL Rahul shared his thoughts regarding his World Cup selection. “It is the most prestigious tournament for any cricketer in the world. It is the dream of every cricketer to represent the country in the World Cup. It will be a brilliant opportunity”, said Rahul. On being asked if he is willing to bat at No. 4 during the tournament, KL replied, “Wherever the team requires me and wants me to fit in, I will go and give my best. If they want me to field, I will. If they want me to bat at No. 3, 4 or open, I will be ready as per the team’s requirements. It’s a team sport”. “World Cup selection is not in our hands. For now, my focus is on IPL. I want to score as many runs for my team. I am not thinking and worried about it. If I get a chance, I will give my best,” KL Rahul added.<doc-sep>
Published 04/15/2019, 4:25 AM PDT Earlier today, the BCCI announced the news that the 15-man India World Cup squad to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 has been chosen. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The India World Cup Squad announcement time was set at 3:15PM earlier today. The likes of Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Karthik were included in the 15 member team, according to the BCCI twitter account. Interestingly, Ambati Rayudu was one of the omissions from the India World Cup Squad along with Rishabh Pant, surprisingly missing out. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Shankar is a likely candidate for the No 4 slot in the India World Cup Squad in the showpiece event. India’s ICC world cup 2019 squad also went for Jadeja instead of a fourth pacer. Meanwhile Dinesh Karthik got the nod over Rishabh Pant as the second choice wicket-keeper in the India World Cup Squad for the World Cup 2019. Even KL Rahul found an available berth in the India World Cup squad. This year, the ICC Cricket World Cup is slated to be a 10-team battle. Hosts England automatically qualified for the tournament. However, in the qualifiers, West Indies and Afghanistan finished as the top two teams to enter. The Indian cricket team The tournament is set to commence on 30 May with home favourites England squaring off against South Africa. Meanwhile, the India World Cup Squad have been drawn against South Africa. Earlier in the year, there was an outcry over the inevitable India-Pakistan match on 16 June. The BCCI and several former India cricketers called for a boycott, owing to February’s Pulwama terrorist attack. The CoA wrote to the ICC, asking them to boycott all nations that harbour terrorism (an indirect reference to Pakistan). However, their request was turned down by the governing body. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad So, the match will take place as per schedule, and will be the first time the two sides meet on English soil since the Champions Trophy 2017 final. Below is the 15-member India World Cup Squad for the World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli (capt. ), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami.