The much-anticipated 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 kicks off on May 30th with the hosts England all set to lock horns against South Africa in what promises to be a fascinating, enthralling tournament opener.
Following closely not only the conditions but also the results of the one-day matches in England post the 2015 World Cup, it is quite obvious that an extremely high scoring World Cup, an event dominated by the batsmen is well and truly on the cards.
Putting flat batting wickets and short boundaries that await us at the World Cup in perspective, teams with not only good strength but also enough depths in their batting department start as fore-runners to lift the world title in England and Wales this year.
As we look forward to witnessing towering sixes being hit and colossal totals being put on the board like never before at this World Cup, let’s have a look at the four batsmen of impact, who can very much make this marquee event their own with their exemplary, breathtaking display of ODI batsmanship.
#1: Virat Kohli
For Virat Kohli, the captain of India and the world’s most premium batsman in the one-dayers of the present generation, there is nothing like being out of form or out of touch.
However, said that the Indian run-machine has struggled across both the editions of previous World Cups in 2015 and 2011, scoring just a solitary hundred at the either of the events.
This is Kohli’s first World Cup as India’s captain and his services as the best batsman of the team are utmost needed for India’s fortunes at this World Cup. With a long tail and an inconsistent, dodgy middle order to follow, the onus once again would be on Virat Kohli to strike at his ominous best on a consistent level if India fancy putting huge scores on the board at the world event.
The ‘King Kohli’ always seems to relish the challenges and knowing the Indian captain well, he would be more than ready to carry the responsibility of India’s batting on his able shoulders at the upcoming World Cup.
Barring the recently concluded IPL, Kohli appears to be at the peak of his batting prowess leading up to this World Cup and would be keen on improving his record at the world’s most prestigious cricket tournament.
The 30-year old now gives us an impression of being a complete batsman, the one who is fully matured and knows his game extremely well. Can Kohli replicate Sachin Tendulkar’s heroics of 2003 World Cup in 2019? If indeed that happens, team India then would find themselves in a magnificent position to bring the world title home.
#2: Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow, the home lad, has been in tremendous form, perhaps in the form of his life heading into this World Cup. No wonder he has been entrusted with a crucial role at the top of the order by the hosts and tournament favourites England.
Following a dream debut season in the IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and a good series against Pakistan at home, Bairstow appears to be like a storm that is for sure ready to hit the World Cup and leave his opponents in a state of awe.
Bairstow, who wasn’t a part of the English set-up at 2015 World Cup, is a byproduct of tremendous transformation that they have gone through the post the horrendous debacles of the last World Cup campaign down under.
As an opener for England at this World Cup, Bairstow can perhaps follow the footsteps of Brendon McCullum’s heroics of 2015 World Cup to dismantle the opposition bowling right at the start and alongside explosive Jason Roy, can be a part of a dream opening pair at the upcoming 12th edition of the World Cup.
At home. Knowing the conditions well, Bairstow can not only help his side with quickfire starts but also is capable to bat through the innings at a brisk pace and in the process, can play a vital role to help his side post mammoth totals.
Can Bairstow turn out to be England’s sensation at this World Cup, leading his side to ultimate glory? Well, it would be intriguing to follow Bairstow and England at this year’s World Cup.
#3: David Warner
For David Warner, life had come a full circle when he left the IPL after a series of staggering performances for his franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. Following the infamous sandpaper-gate scandal, which brought clouds of despair and uncertainty over the careers of Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, Warner desperately needed a strong show under his belt before he could resume the Australian national duty at the upcoming World Cup.
But, as he prepares to open for Australia yet again, he would hope to leave all his past disappointments behind and start his international campaign afresh.
From what we saw at the IPL, David Warner gave us an impression of being a cornered tiger and would be stoked to re-announce himself at the international stage with performances to remember.
For David Warner, his international return at the World Cup is like a second chance life doesn’t always offer and the southpaw would be hoping to accept his share of good fortune with both hands, thereby producing some meaningful and significant contributions at the World Cup.
We all are well aware what inspired and pumped up David Warner is capable of and his contributions at the top of the order will play a crucial role if Australia fancy to defend their world title at the upcoming marquee event.
#4: Ross Taylor
The 35-year old veteran Kiwi, Ross Taylor is perhaps the most under-rated genius of his generation. Batting at No.4 for New Zealand, Taylor perhaps has an ideal game, tailor-made just to suit the demands of modern ODI cricket.
His numbers since the start of 2018 tell you a remarkable story of his incredible consistency. Since 2018, leading up to this World Cup, the talented Kiwi has scored a staggering 1232 runs in just 21 innings at a colossal average of 82.13 and ahead of their captain Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s main man at the showpiece event.
This is Ross Taylor’s 4th World Cup appearance for the Kiwis and probably the last of his career too. In the wake of his subdued performances at the previous three World Cups and some mighty fine display in the lead up to this World Cup, Taylor would be more than motivated and hoping to continue his dream run at the cricket’s greatest spectacle.
New Zealand, historically has always been the ‘x-factor’ at the World Cups and it would be intriguing to witness, if Ross Taylor’s resurgence, who is perhaps in the twilight of his career, can lead the Kiwis to embark on a sensational journey towards the title triumph in the 2019 edition of the World Cup!
