Probable first choice XI for India in ICC World Cup 2019

The countdown for the world's biggest cricketing razzmatazz has begun. With less than a week to go the World Cup, the participating teams are busy strategizing their plans to put their best show forth. From analysing the opponents to fielding the best eleven to take them, the captains and coaches have their tasks cut out going into the tournament.

Here, we take a look at India's first choice XI for their first game against South Africa at Southampton on June 4.

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma joined hands to forge one of the most successful pairs of opening batsmen in recent times. Emerging as players capable of taking the game away from the opposition right from the word go, the blistering stroke makers have been instrumental in India's success over the past few years. Expect them to play a key role in setting the tone for the men in blue in the World Cup as well.

Middle Order: Virat Kohli (C), Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (WK), Kedar Jadhav

The Indian skipper Virat Kohli will take charge of the number 3 spot in the batting line up. With a growing legend of supremacy, the 30-year-old has been the undisputed king of batting in ODIs and will ride a billion hopes going into the tournament.

Expect Tamil Nadu's Vijay Shankar to be slotted at number 4 in the initial few games. The youngster's heroics in New Zealand last year didn't go unnoticed as the selectors deemed him as a suitable candidate to play at the crucial spot for the team. Also, his ability to bowl a few overs of medium pace might help get a nod in the seam-friendly conditions of England.

MS Dhoni is most likely to take guard at number 5 in the batting line-up. The 37-year-old, who will be taking the field as India's most experienced campaigner in the tournament, is expected to provide stability to the middle order. And if his recent heroics in the IPL are anything to go by, the fans are in for a treat. Also, his lightning quick skills with the gloves behind the stumps will be an added advantage to the men in blue.

Kedar Jadhav has mostly been batting at number 6 for India over the last few months. Equipped with an ability to play as per the situation, Jadhav has made a name for himself as a street-smart cricketer. While his skill to rotate the strike could come in handy in precarious scenarios, his power game might boost the team's chances at the death.

All-rounder: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya will be one of India's prime weapons in this World Cup. The recent IPL has seen him take his game a notch higher and play a crucial role in helping Mumbai Indians clinch the title. From hitting the long ball to chipping in with timely wickets to being a live wire in the field, the youngster can essay a pivotal part in deciding the team's fortunes at the ICC event.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, JaspritBumrah

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, owing to his ability to swing the ball both ways, can prove to be a match-winner in the seam-friendly conditions of England. While the pacer's form has seen a dip in recent times, expect him to pull his socks up while representing India on the big stage.

Kuldeep Yadav will be a strike weapon for Virat Kohli. Considered as one of the few exponents of the classical wrist spin, Yadav has posed plenty of problems for batsmen across the globe. A wily customer who can provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle stages of the game, he will be itching to prove his mettle after a forgettable IPL season.

Mohammed Shami has been on a song oflate. Hitting the right lines and getting wickets on a consistent basis, the fiery fast bowler will be adding the spite into the Indian bowling unit. Come the World Cup and a lean, mean and fit Mohammed Shami can wreak havoc on his day.

JaspritBumrah has been a sensation for India over the past couple of years. Fast growing as one of the fine bowlers, the young pacer will once again shoulder significant duties while playing for India in the upcoming World Cup. Expect him to be at the peak of his powers and emerge as India's knight in shining armour yet again.