ICC World Cup 2019 | India's predicted XI against Afghanistan at The Rose Bowl

Rohit Sharma : Ideally, India would have wanted him to have a bit of a rest before the real test starts. But with Dhawan sidelined for the entire World Cup, he needs to build a connect with KL Rahul in the middle to get on the same page when it actually matters.

KL Rahul : The Dhawan factor means that Rahul also has to have some game time at the start of the innings. He looked great against Pakistan playing a more withdrawn role but anyone who has ever watched Rahul play knows how deadly he can be.

Virat Kohli : We are not even going to talk about him! Should I really waste your time talking about why he should be in the team?

Vijay Shankar : After an injury scare, he seems to be in contention for this game. Like Rahul, Shankar also needs to get used to his new place in the line up. The Afghan spinners are sure to test the Indian middle order with their spin duo.

MS Dhoni : India haven’t really needed him to be at his best so far with the bat. But the law of averages will catch up with him and Afghanistan will just hope that it is not against them but rather Dhoni’s “favorite team” - Sri Lanka.

Kedar Jadhav : With the top order performing exceptionally well and the pacers getting the job done as well, Kedar has been a mere spectator in most games. I certainly envy him. I could do the same thing while getting an all access pass to the Indian National Team.

Hardik Pandya : Not only has he carried his hard hitting IPL form into the World Cup but his bowling has been decent as well. A better economy rate might just put him in contention for the best all rounder in World Cricket at the moment.

Ravindra Jadeja : With Afghanistan acting as the opponents, India will want to rest a player or two. Jadeja is the ideal man for the job considering the experience he has at his disposal. If another reason was needed to justify this pick, it could be that he is as good, if not better, with the bat as Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Kuldeep Yadav : Picking Jadeja in the side would mean a part of the KulCha would have to make way. Chahal has been the man who has always made way in the starting line-up and after Kuldeep’s magical ball against Babar, he can hardly be rested.

Mohammed Shami : A straight swap! Coming to England, Shami looked certain to get the nod over Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the playing XI but as things have panned out, the Bengal pacer has been restricted to the bench. Now, however, he gets a chance to give Kohli a headache he would relish.

Jasprit Bumrah : After two exceptional games, he looked slightly sluggish against Pakistan. He created his openings but just could not close the deal. Afghanistan have struggled to get to the death overs so Bumrah will have to strike early to get some more wickets under his belt.

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