Core squad for 2019 World Cup is more or less sorted out, says Virat Kohli

Durban, Jan 31 (CRICKETNMORE) With around 15 months to go for the 2019 cricket World Cup, India skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday asserted that barring the No. 4 spot, the core of the squad is more or less sorted out

"We are probably the only team in world cricket who are blessed with two wrist spinners and with Kedar (Jadhav) doing the conventional job really well, that's why I said the balance of the side is pretty good at the moment," he said. 

"Wrist spinners help you in any conditions, in any part of the world. They can go for six an over but they will pick you two-three wickets as well, which makes the difference at the end. 

"We are very happy to have two wrist spinners who are very different from each other. Both are versatile in their own way. I think that's going to be a major strength for the team going forward," he added.

On being asked about his team's approach for the upcoming series against the Proteas, which could potentially be a good preparation going into the 2019 World Cup, Kohli said: "We have explored a lot of options in the last few months. Since we don't have much time and have only a few series before the World Cup, we want to try as many combinations as possible."

"I don't think the quality of the team will be compromised anyway regardless of who takes the No.4 position because of we have strong batsmen above and below to stabilise the innings. I am pretty confident of all the guys in the team.

Kohli also indicated that Ajinkya Rahane could be the potential candidate for the coveted No. 4 slot despite the team management looking at him as the third opener.

"Rahane can be considered as the third opener but may change since he batted at No. 4 in the World Cup and in seamer-friendly conditions he can be a good option for the No. 4 slot.

"We have Manish (Pandey), Shreyas (Iyer), Kedar (Jadhav) who can bat at No. 5 and 6, besides Hardik (Pandya) and MS (Dhoni). We don't want to be one dimensional and would go by whose technique suits the best in the given conditions," he added.

Kohli also wished the best for the Prithvi Shaw-led India colts, who thrashed Pakistan by 203 runs in the semi-final to set up the ICC Under-19 final against Australia on Saturday.