World Cup 2019: 5 questions to which India got answer in their warm-up matches

KL Rahul striking the form at the right time turned out to be the biggest gain for the men-in-blue from their warm-up games. There had been continuous debates over this spot, with experts suggesting different names and voicing their opinions. Rahul’s century in India’s last game before the World Cup has ended it for now.

Rahul has a perfect technique, something which sets him apart from the rest. He was in supreme form throughout the IPL, and carrying forward this momentum in the mega-event would instill a great deal of confidence in the team. However, his 108 was dominated by the boundaries, which accounted for 66% of his runs. A strong team like South Africa won’t give you anything for granted. Therefore, it would be interesting to see how he deals in singles and doubles against them.

2. Doubts over Kuldeep’s form

Being smashed for 26 runs in an over is the story of Kuldeep’s Yadav IPL campaign. His forgettable journey saw him being dropped from the KKR squad, for the first time in his career. This had sparked off a debate whether he would be able to leave that behind and focus on the World Cup.

But the 24-year-old chinaman made a statement against Bangladesh. He scalped three wickets from his 10 overs. It included the likes of Mahmadullah, Mosaddek Hossain and a dangerous looking Mushfiqur Rahim. To see that happiness on his face would have relieved every Indian fan. Kuldeep Yadav is a vital cog in India’s wheel, and they will hope that he along with Yuzvendra Chahal fare well in the tournament.

3. Mohammad Shami vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India enjoys the services of three extraordinary speedsters. However, the team composition allows only two of them to play at a time since Hardik Pandya is the fifth bowler. Jasprit Bumrah is an absolute must in the team. Therefore, only one of Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be included in the team at a time.

The warm-up matches provided Virat with a perfect opportunity to test the form of these two. Though both weren’t at their best, it seems that Shami would get a nod in the initial games. Bhuvneshwar was taken for runs in the game against New Zealand. Though the conditions were bowling friendly, he could not swing the ball.

On the other hand, Shami was clinical in that game. Both did well against Bangladesh, but the overall impact seems to go in the favor of Shami.

4. A clarity over Jadeja’s role

Although Jadeja had been selected in the 15-member squad, his role wasn’t clear. It had been anticipated that he would warm the bench, as India would go with the spin twins in the bowling and Kedar Jadhav as the second all-rounder.

However, the two warm-up matches have completely changed this thinking. He scored a brilliant half-century against New Zealand and backed it with two economical spells. This has opened the competition for the second all-rounder’s spot. With Kedar Jadhav unfit, he might be the first preference in the first few matches. Even when Jadhav returns, he might find it difficult to replace him. He has been out-of-form, and playing him above someone who is in subtle form would be a tough call.

5. India’s middle order can compliment the top

Finding the solution to the number four conundrum at the right time is something that India would cherish. But they couldn’t have asked for a better thing than the middle order performing collectively. MS Dhoni carried forward his IPL form in the warm-up matches as well. Hardik Pandya showed that he can shift gears as per the demands of the situation. He played cautiously against New Zealand and attacked from the word go against Bangladesh.

This must have instilled a lot of confidence in the whole lineup. This would also ease a lot of pressure from the top three. If the middle order continues its good show, then India can be a strong candidate for the trophy.