India's probable playing XI for World Cup after Australia series

India’s long season has finally come to an end. However, it hasn’t ended the way they would’ve wanted to as they lost 2-3 to Australia in a five-match ODI series at home. The visitors came back from 0-2 down to stun the Indians who lost their first ODI series at home since October 2015. However, it was an exhilarating contest as both the sides gave their best to overpower each other.

The Indian cricketers will now rest for a week or so before joining their respective franchises to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They will be involved in a seven-week extravaganza before the all-important World Cup. Some players will be hoping to strike form in the 11-year-old league as India look to build towards the mega event.

This loss shouldn’t concern India a lot as they have been in terrific form in the last three years. Since January 2016, their only losses in ODI bilateral series’ have come against England (July 2018) and the latest against Australia (March 2019).

As Virat Kohli cleared in the post-match presentation in the fifth ODI, the Men in Blue were trying a few players and combinations. They seem to have narrowed in on their World Cup squad and according to the skipper, only one spot needs some discussion. Hence, with India completing their international season and their next international fixture will be at the World Cup against South Africa in Southampton on June 5, we have a look at the best possible playing XI of the team.

Here’s India’s probable playing XI for the World Cup:

Rohit Sharma

There’s absolutely no question about Rohit Sharma’s place in the side. The limited-overs vice-captain has been in phenomenal form in the last few years. In fact, in the period between the two World Cups (2015 and 2019), he has scored 3790 runs at an average of 61.12 which includes 15 hundreds.

Rohit Sharma has been in patchy form this year as he averages a shade under 43. However, it seems like it’s just a quiet phase for him. He’s been the best opening batsman in the world (at least in terms of stats) over the last few years. He will definitely open the batting at the World Cup and will be crucial in the team’s progress as well.