India vs Windies: 5 players who sealed WC 2019 spots with their performances

There were some terrific performances on display in the India versus Windies ODI series. Be it Virat Kohli‘s hattrick of tons, or those scintillating knocks from Rohit Sharma, they were all a treat to watch. But more than what it was for these established players, this series was a do-or-die one for a few others. With the World Cup 2019 just around the corner, teams are trying to figure out their best combinations. Also, there were a few areas of concern that were to be addressed. As far as both India and the Windies are concerned, they would feel that they have got few important boxes ticked. The players, on whom there were a lot of expectations, turned up to the occasion and pulled the rabbit out of the hat at the right time. Here are five players who might have cemented the World Cup 2019 spots: 1. Ambati Rayudu Ambati Rayudu. (Photo Source: Twitter) There was a lot of talk about the number four position for Team India before this series commenced. Despite trying more than 10 players in the middle-order, the Men in Blue were struggling to find the correct man for the job. At such a critical juncture, one last name that the skipper and the management put hopes was on Ambati Rayudu. Virat Kohli stated that Rayudu was the answer to all the questions and guaranteed an extended run. Rayudu didn’t disappoint even one bit. He grabbed the opportunity with both the hands and passed this stern test with distinction. He amassed 217 runs in four innings at an average of 72 and also brought up his third ODI century in the process. With these exceptional shows that he put up, he seems to have cemented the number four spot in the side and will be flying to England next year. 2. Shimron Hetmyer Shimron Hetmyer. (Photo Source: Twitter) Shimron Hetmyer has got that T20 style of play where he likes to go after the bowlers right from the start. The U19 World Cup winning captain in 2016 strikes the ball at a rate of 150 in T20s. However, given the kind of start that he has had to his international career, not many believed if he has got the right temperament to play ODIs and Tests. But Hetmyer has shut down all his critics with his show in the India ODI series. Even though he wasn’t highly consistent, his performances are quite encouraging for a Windies team that is struggling to find the right set of players. Though a dashing hitter, Hetmyer has shown that he can play the long innings and might have just booked a berth on the flight to England. 3. Khaleel Ahmed Khaleel Ahmed. (Photo Source: Twitter) Ever since Zaheer Khan retired, Team India hasn’t found a left-arm seamer who can be considered a long-term prospect. Having a left-arm pace bowler adds a completely different dimension to the XI. They tried the likes of Barinder Sran and Jaydev Unadkat but their inability to translate domestic performances at the highest level sidelined them pretty early. Khaleel Ahmed just seems to have ended this almost six years long search. He has looked to pitch the ball in the right areas and has even swung it both ways. Khaleel was the joint second highest wicket-taker with 7 wickets in 4 matches in the five-match ODI series against Windies. With the Indian team lacking a solid third pacer after Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel could have just grabbed that spot with the World Cup in sight. 4. Shai Hope Shai Hope. (Photo Source: Twitter) Shai Hope made quite a name for himself with the twin centuries against England at Leeds. Courtesy his special effort, Windies won that match by 5 wickets to stun the hosts. But, Hope has taken some time to find his feet as far as consistency is concerned. With his performance in the series against India, he has given the management an assurance that he can be the man for the long run. Although he was unfortunate to have got out for a duck in the last two games, he just showed what he is capable of in the initial three matches. A little more caution and developing the ability to rotate the strike more often can see him be a very successful batsman. He has scored 250 runs in 5 games at an average of 62.50. 5. Ravindra Jadeja Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja appeals successfully. (Photo Source: Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Injuries to Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Ravindra Jadeja. He made a comeback after more than a year in the Asia Cup. Since then, he looked very promising to take up the all-rounder’s role in the side. Even if Hardik makes a comeback, Jadeja might still continue to be a part of the XI. He was the ‘Man of the Match’ in the 5th ODI and adds a great variety to the bowling attack. At times, if India requires more depth in the batting, he can easily replace either of Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal. Jaddu picked 7 wickets in 4 matches and might just make it into the World Cup squad as the second all-rounder option. Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.

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India vs Windies: 5 players who sealed WC 2019 spots with their performances

These players have just done enough at the right time to cement their spots.

3. Khaleel Ahmed

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