The Best XI of the World Cup 2019

After seven weeks and 48 matches, we finally know our winner of the ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup, in what was arguably the best ODI of all time. A super over was played, and even then the two teams couldn't be separated in the deciding over. Ultimately, England was declared the winner in the most bizarre manner, with more number of boundaries scored. We got to see some exceptional performances throughout the tournament, and in today's blog, I will give my best playing for the 2019 World Cup. 

1# Rohit Sharma - I don't need to give any explanation to why he has kept in my playing XI. With five mind-boggling hundreds in 9 games and also the highest run-scorer in the tournament (with 648 runs), he is most likely to make anyone's playing XI. 

2# David Warner - The second opening spot was a debatable position. With the likes of the two English openers, Johnny Bairstow and Jason Roy and even the Australian captain, Aaron Finch, it was a tough decision. However, the number of runs scored by Warner that gave him a slight edge over the others. With 647 runs from 10 games- that includes three tons- Warner has been successful at holding the Australian batting together. 

3#Joe Root - My number 3 & 4 batting positions, were relatively simple decisions to make. The only chance England had at winning the cup was if Root fired. And O boy did he do a good job. Scoring 556 runs from 11 innings, may not have been as prolific as David Warner or Rohit Sharma. But, he has been the glue to the English batting lineup. Whenever the situation demanded he would deliver. 

4# Kane Williamson(C) - I could not decide on who should bat at 3 and who should bat at 4. We all know Root is more of a free-flowing player and Kane Williamson is more of an innings building player. Hence, Root at 3 and Williamson at 4. After Rohit, Williamson has been the batsman of the tournament for me. The class this man possesses is indescribable. The stroke-play and especially the dab to the third man region is something that would leave any cricket fan in awe. 

5# Shakib-al-Hasan - Although he has played at number 3 throughout the tournament, I am keeping him at number 5 due to his quick, adaptable nature. The player of the competition for me. 606 runs in 8 innings - that include seven 50+ scores- and 11 wickets is no joke. Had another player replicated the performances of Shakib then, Bangladesh would have had a shot at the semi-finals. 

6# Ben Stokes - The phrase "Carlos Brathwaite! Carlos  Braithwaite remember the name!" has haunted him right since he conceded 19 runs in the final of the WT20. He had a chance to redeem himself after that nightmare and O boy did he! 465 runs from 10 innings, (overall, the 9th highest run-scorer in the tournament) 7 wickets at an economy of 5, and around 30 runs saved for the team is something any team would take from their ace all-rounder. 

7#Alex Carey - The Wicketkeeper slot has been very debatable. The choice was between Australia's Alex Carey and India's MS Dhoni. Since this is a World Cup XI and not an 'All-time 11,' I will have to pick Alex Carey in my team. He may not have the neatest numbers, but, he played his role to perfection. When the situation demanded a partnership, he was able to stick at the crease. When a few big blows were required, he was there for the flourish. His Wicket-keeping skills, too, have been mightily impressive. He managed 20 scalps in the entire tournament, just behind New Zealand's Tom Latham. 

8# Jofra Archer - This bloke's position in the squad was in doubt before the World Cup started. Now, he is Morgan's go-to bowler. Such has been the transformation of this lad. With 20 scalps from 11 games at an impressive economy of 4.5 is some achievement for a youngster who has been recently brought into the international arena. His biggest strength has been his consistency and control over his line and length. He has rarely given any width to the batsmen, not allowing them to free their arms and play cross-batted shots. 

9#Mitchell Starc - There is something with Mitchell Starc and ICC tournaments. In the 2015 edition, he was the highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets. In 2019 edition he has managed to retain the title by taking 27 wickets. Whenever Finch needed a breakthrough, he just gave the ball to Starc and Starc would never fail to provide with the breakthrough. His ability to target the stumps consistently at 145 clicks has made a potent threat for any batsman. 

10#Jasprit Bumrah - The evolution of Jasprit Bumrah has been amazing. He made his debut just less than three years ago, and now he is recognized as the best and most feared bowler in the world. His ability to cramp the batsmen for room and his subtle variations has made him very difficult to read. In the entire tournament, he took 18 wickets, but his impact has been much more. For me, he has been the bowler of the competition. 

11# Lockie Ferguson - Lots of people would question me on why I have included four pacers + Ben Stokes in my eleven. Two evident reasons for this selection. Firstly the pacers have done incredibly well throughout the tournament. You won't believe, but the first spinner on the highest wicket-taker list is positioned #19 (Yuzvendra Chahal). And secondly, Lockie Ferguson with the ball throughout the middle overs has been a revelation. 21 wicket in the entire competition and out of which 18 have been in the middle overs. Well, facts do tell us a good story on his performances throughout the middle phase. His ability to bowl 145+ clicks consistently has made it difficult for the batsmen. Without him, I highly doubt New Zealand would have even finished in the top 5 in the points table.