India international Ajinkya Rahane feels that Virat Kohli will lead a strong Indian side during the upcoming 2019 World Cup in England.
Rahane has become a fixture of the Indian Test side but has struggled to break into the limited-overs squads. He has been billed by some pundits as the answer to India’s search for a permanent number 4 in the ODI playing eleven and his performances in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) may yet decide if he will be on the flight to England.
The Mumbai batsman has described India’s recent performances as “magnificent” and thinks that captain Kohli will lead a strong side in the quadrennial competition.
“I think personally we [India] have a very strong side. The cricket which we are playing recently is magnificent”, he told ESPNcricinfo.
“The challenge in the World Cup will be to gather that momentum early and continue that. But I feel in ICC [International Cricket Council] tournaments, it is important to give your best in each and every game.”
“Apart from India, New Zealand is a very good ODI side and do well in ICC tournaments. West Indies is unpredictable but dangerous team and also England. Playing England in England is going to be challenging”, the top-order batsman added.
The 2019 World Cup will begin with the opening game between England and South Africa on 30 May at Kensington Oval, while India will begin their campaign on 5 June when they take on the Proteas in Southampton.
