IPL 2019: Report Card of India's World Cup Squad

With India's biggest T20 league done and dusted, the focus has now shifted to the much-anticipated World Cup. Slated to be flagged off in England later this month, the mega tournament will be witnessing India enter the fray as one of the firm favourites to win the title.

Consisting of some solid players in its ranks, India's 15-member-squad for the World Cup claims to have all the bases covered. However, the team is scheduled to lock horns with some strong competitors and the path doesn't seem like an all merry one.

And If the performances in the recently concluded IPL are anything to go by, what should the fans expect of their favourite heroes in the upcoming cricketing carnival? Here's a report card that shows how India's World Cup squad performed in IPL 2019 and what might be riding on the cards for each of these stars.

Rohit Sharma - 7.5/10

Mat: 15 Runs: 405 SR: 128.57 HS: 67

Image Credits: BCCI/IPLT20 Mat: 14 Runs: 253 SR: 146.24 HS: 97

Despite not being anywhere near his best, Rohit Sharma managed to accumulate over 400 runs in the latest IPL season. Striking the ball at little over 128, the stylish right-hander forged an aggressive opening partnership with Quinton de Kock to get Mumbai Indians off to flying starts on several occasions.

For a man known for his stunning batting prowess, Rohit Sharma was interestingly hailed for his brilliant captaincy skills in this tournament. From getting the team selections right to holding his nerve in crunch moments, the Indian superstar ticked all the boxes of an able leader, thus helping Mumbai clinch its 4th IPL title. In a few days time, the "Hitman", will once again join hands with Shikhar Dhawan to ride India's hopes at the World Cup.

Shikhar Dhawan - 9/10

Mat: 16 Runs: 521 SR: 135.67 HS: 97*

With not many batting superstars from overseas, Shikhar Dhawan formed a crucial component of Delhi Capitals' top order. A dashing opening batsman who can take the attack to the opposition right from the word go, the southpaw was in brilliant form for his new franchise this season. However, he couldn't quite make a telling contribution with the bat on Delhi's big night against CSK.

Amassing 521 runs in 16 games, at a strike rate of over 135, Dhawan ended this year's IPL as the season's fourth highest run-getter. India will be hoping for him to carry the good form into the much-awaited World Cup and dominate the opponents in England.

Virat Kohli - 7/10

Mat: 14 Runs: 464 SR: 141.46 HS: 100

One would imagine a tough task to be a part of RCB's campaign this year, especially for a champion like Virat Kohli. The Indian superstar was constantly put under the scanner for his tactics and criticized heavily for getting team selections wrong on multiple occasions. But as Sourav Ganguly rightly pointed out, it is not fair to judge Virat Kohli by his T20 captaincy. The modern-day legend will be key to India's hopes at the upcoming mega tournament and he would be itching to script glory in his first World Cup as a skipper.

On a batting front though, Kohli had a decent season. Raking up 464 runs in 14 games, with an average in the mid 30s, the batting maestro stood as RCB's highest run getter this season. It may be fondly recalled that he even smashed a breathtaking ton against KKR at the Eden Gardens in one of the league games.

Vijay Shankar - 4/10

Mat: 14 Runs: 244 SR: 126.42 HS: 40*

After scoring scores of 40 and 35 in his first two games of the season, things went pear-shaped pretty quickly for Vijay Shankar. The promising all-rounder was expected to carry the mantle in the middle-order for the Orange Army but failed to do so in spite of getting plenty of opportunities.

With just 244 runs in 14 innings, at a meagre average of 20.33, Shankar didn't quite justify his hard-hitting skills. Touted to be among the front runners to take the No 4 slot in the Indian Team in the upcoming World Cup, the Tamil Nadu batsman will be looking to find his confidence back to help his career.

KL Rahul - 9.5/10

Mat: 14 Runs: 593 SR: 135.38 HS: 100*

KL Rahul was on fire this season. Silken cover drives, nonchalant flick and skillful cuts were all on display whilst the Karnataka batsman assumed the crease for the Kings from Punjab. Adjudged the stylish player of the season, the Karnataka batsman looked in red hot form for the best part of the season.

However, a few experts found fault with his "lack of intent" while chasing big scores. Rahul more than made up for the criticism with his blistering knock in Punjab's final game of the season. Amassing 593 runs in 14 games, at a staggering average of 53.9, the right-handed batsman finished the season as the second highest run-getter.

MS Dhoni - 9.5/10

Mat: 14 Runs: 416 SR: 134.62 HS: 84*

The bludgeoning shots, the lightening quick wicket-keeping and the shrewd captaincy were all part and parcel of CSK's campaign this year, courtesy one man. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was phenomenal to say the least this year. Shouldering the entire batting unit for most of the season, the Indian superstar helped the men in yellow clinch numerous games.

Registering 416 runs in 12 innings, Dhoni recorded his highest average (83.20) in an IPL season thus far. The 37-year-old has also been credited for reposing faith and backing a few of his big-match players in their tough times all through the tournament. The Indian fans will be hoping that he carries this superlative form into the World Cup and play a key role in his team's fortunes at the mega tournament.

Kedar Jadhav - 3/10

Mat: 14 Runs: 162 SR: 95.85 HS: 58

Barring a sole fifty against the Mumbai Indians in one of the league games, there wasn't much to cheer about for Kedar Jadhav in this year's IPL. Known for his hard-hitting prowess and street smart play, Jadhav was presented with multiple opportunities in CSK's middle order but failed to show his mettle. A shoulder injury in the latter half of the tournament made things worse for the diminutive batsman from Pune.

Scoring just 162 runs in 12 innings, at a poor strike rate of 95.85, Jadhav could not justify his experience in the format. He will be keen on nursing his injury well and get back to form soon to play a crucial role for India at the World Cup.

Dinesh Karthik - 5/10

A blistering 97* against the Rajasthan Royals, at Eden Gardens, was the solitary shining light for Dinesh Karthik in the recently concluded IPL. The season, on the whole, proved to be a disappointing one for the KKR skipper as he couldn't quite inspire his team into the playoffs. From failing with the bat in crucial situations to being blasted for his "poor" captaincy, Karthik endured a tough time leading the franchise.

Managing to score 253 runs in 14 games, the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman belied his batting talent. Picked as the back-up option for MS Dhoni at the World Cup, the 33-year-old will be looking to grab any opportunity that he gets with both hands.

Hardik Pandya - 10/10

Mat: 16 Runs: 402 SR: 191.42 HS: 91 Wkts: 14 Eco: 9.17 BBI: 3/20

Hardik Pandya took IPL 2019 by storm. Striking the ball with brute force down the order, the lanky all-rounder was one of Mumbai Indians' most lethal weapons. A special mention needs to be made of his stunning innings against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens where he tore into the home team's bowling attack. Smashing 91 off just 34 deliveries, Hardik Pandya left everyone jaw-dropped with his incredible hitting skills. The innings also saw him register the tournament's fastest fifty. Additionally, the Gujarat based cricketer proved a massive asset with his bowling and fielding skills.

Pandya ended the season with 402 runs, at a strike rate of 191.42, and he also picked up 14 handy wickets. He is expected to lend the much-needed balance to the Indian team in the World Cup.

Ravindra Jadeja - 8/10

Mat: 16 Runs: 106 SR: 120.45 HS: 31* Wkts: 15 Eco: 6.35 BBI: 3/9

Ravindra Jadeja, along with Imran Tahir and Harbhajan Singh, formed CSK's magic trio this season. The left-arm spinner was as miserly as always and typically, chipped away with crucial overs during the middle stages of an innings. The "Rockstar", as Shane Warne had once christened him, was a crucial asset for MS Dhoni in the field. Prowling like a cheetah, Jadeja stood apart in a side that is generally not associated with athletic fielding prowess.

Mostly coming into bat with just a handful of overs remaining in an innings, his batting utility was restricted to a certain limit this year. Selected as India's third spinner for the World Cup, Jadeja, given his all-round abilities, might prove to be an X-factor in the 50-over format.

Yuzvendra Chahal - 8.5/10

Mat: 14 Wkts: 18 Eco: 7.82 BBI: 4/38

Yuzvendra Chahal was one of the most consistent performers with the ball for RCB this season, bowling most of the crucial overs. Picking up 18 wickets at an average of 21.44, the leggie once again led Virat Kolhi's attack with the ball and ended up as the team's highest wicket-taker this year.

Chahal is expected to play an important role for the Indians in the World Cup and his ability to pick wickets in the middle overs will be in high demand. And given the current frenzy surrounding wrist spin in world cricket, the wily leg-spinner would have several eyes fixed on him in the coming season.

Kuldeep Yadav - 3/10

Mat: 9 Wkt:4 Eco: 8.66 BBI: 2/41

Kuldeep Yadav had a nightmare this year. From failing to find his rhythm right from the initial games to breaking down on the ground after being pulverized by Moeen Ali in one over, the young spinner had a torrid time in IPL 2019.

With just 4 wickets in 9 games, at an embarrassing average of 71.50, Yadav's poor form dented KKR's fortunes with the ball. He was even restricted to the bench towards the latter half of the tournament. Going into the World Cup, India will be hoping that their quality bowler will redeem himself in time.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - 6.5/10

Mat: 15 Wkts: 13 Eco: 7.81 BBI: 2/24

Bhuvneshwar Kumar wasn't at his best for SRH this season. Considered to be one of the best exponents of the new ball, Kumar couldn't provide early breakthroughs for Hyderabad on a regular basis. Failing to get wickets consistently and leaking runs at the death, SRH's main man with the ball put up a below par show, thereby not helping his team's cause in various games.

Kumar ended the season picking 13 scalps in 15 games, at an economy close to 8 runs per over. Fans will certainly be hoping for a better performance from him at the World Cup and given the seam-friendly conditions in England, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could well prove to be a handful if he finds his mojo back.

Mohammed Shami - 8.5/10

Mat: 14 Wkts: 19 Eco: 8.68 BBI: 3/21

Mohammed Shami was Kings XI Punjab's Knight in shining armour throughout the season. Riding high on fitness and confidence, Mohammed Shami caught everyone's attention with a magnificent display of fast bowling. Generating consistent pace and troubling the batsmen frequently, the speedster looked in terrific rhythm this year.

After ending IPL 2019 with 19 wickets from 14 games, the pacer will be entering the World Cup in a good frame of mind and will be hoping to repeat his heroics in England as well.

Jasprit Bumrah - 9/10

Mat: 16 Wkt: 19 Eco: 6.63 BBI: 3/10

The latest season of IPL marked yet another show of brilliance from Jasprit Bumrah. Sharp, smart, and skillful, Bumrah's bowling talent proved to be a crucial component of Mumbai's success story. Apart from chipping in with wickets at crucial junctures, the speedster emerged as a the best in the business when it came to death bowling. In fact, it was his match-winning performance at the death in the final that helped Mumbai Indians clinch their fourth title.

With 19 scalps in 16 outings, at a brilliant economy of 6.63, Bumrah has once again shown why he would be India's main man with the ball in the World Cup this year.

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