India comes into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 as one of the strong contenders. The Virat Kohli-led side happens to be the most balanced side along with hosts England. The Indian team is loaded with match-winners in each department and it will take opponents a good hard work to outplay the Men in Blue. India, the number two ranked side in the world, is tipped to at least make it to the semi-finals. Cricket World Cup History: Winners, Host Nations, Participating Teams and Timeline of All the CWC From 1975 to 2015.

Team India not only boasts of Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen but one of the finest bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah and one of the talented all-rounders in Hardik Pandya. Besides them, the Indian team has players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Shami in the ranks. Meanwhile, as we near the 2019 Cricket World Cup, we take a look at five players who we think will be instrumental in helping India win its third title.

Virat Kohli

Indian captain Virat Kohli. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Kohli not only is in charge of the Indian side but its batting revolves around the right-hander as well. Kohli has been consistently performing well with the bat for a long time now. Kohli is a proven match-winner and it is something that will haunt the opponents. It will be surprising if Kohli doesn’t feature in top three highest run-scorers in the 2019 World Cup. Virat Kohli Stats, Records: A Look at Profile of Indian Team Captain Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is effective with both bat and ball. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

A game-changing all-rounder in true sense. Pandya is effective with both bat and ball and is equally good in both the departments. The 25-year-old has the ability to score quickly. Moreover, with the ball, he can contain and can at times operate as well. Conditions in England could well suit his bowling and that makes him dangerous. Virender Sehwag Praises Hardik Pandya Says, 'No One Can Match Pandya's All-Round Abilities'.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the finest bowlers in the game right now. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The youngster is the leader of the Indian pace attack. He, no doubt, is a potential match-winner with the ball and on his day, Bumrah can run through the opponents. The pacer is known for his skill to bowl in the death overs and will be Kohli’s go-to man whenever India needs a wicket or two.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal is India's key spinner. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Wrist spinners in modern day cricket are fast becoming effective. India is lucky to have two in their ranks- Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. While Kuldeep has struggled a bit of-late, Chahal continues to impress. He is a genuine wicket-taking option for India and can make it difficult for opponents in the middle overs. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule in PDF: Ticket Prices, Dates, Venue Details & Timetable Available for Download Online.

Shikhar Dhawan

Left-handed opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

Last but not least, Shikhar Dhawan is known to perform well in ICC tournaments and has a good record in England. Interestingly, in the last edition of the World Cup, Dhawan emerged as India’s highest run-getter. He can play a sheet anchor role and accelerate towards the end quite effectively. Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Here’s a Look Back at How India Fared at the Last Edition of the CWC.

India will open their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign against South Africa on June 05 at Southampton. However, ahead of the tournament, Kohli and Co will play two warm-up matches. In the last edition of the World Cup, India were knocked out in the semifinals. The team will be hopeful of going the distance this time around.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2019 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).