Five IPL players who have successfully auditioned for CWC 19

Andre Russell

Just months before, while recovering from a knee injury, Andre Russell had said that the IPL would be the perfect tournament to work on his game. And what a prediction that has been. His 159 runs in three matches so far have come at a strike rate of 248.43. The 30-year-old has already hit 15 sixes in the tournament, and his clean hits suggest he looks good for more. He has also picked up five wickets and seems to be in the race for the purple cap. A spate of frequent injuries might have disrupted Russell’s international career in recent times, but 2019 has begun looking a better year for him.

David Warner

A year away from international cricket has done nothing to dim David Warner’s flamboyance. The explosive batsman has already lit the IPL on fire with two terrific knocks. The first came against Kolkata Knight Riders in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s opening game, and the second came while chasing a stiff target of 199 set by Rajasthan Royals. With 154 runs at a strike rate of 171 in two league games, Warner is emerging a strong contender in the Orange cap race and makes a solid case for opening in Australia colours during the World Cup.

Rishabh Pant

As a backup wicketkeeper waiting to take over from the veteran MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant has a lot to look forward to. The 21-year-old has proved himself in international cricket, but his lack of consistency has raised a few questions. Pant, however, proved the doubters wrong with an unbeaten 78 off just 27 balls in Delhi Capitals’ opening fixture. Pant's hurricane knock powered Delhi to a massive 213. He scored handy runs in the next two games and is a batsman to watch out for in the tournament.

Vijay Shankar

Shankar is one of the foremost middle-order contenders for India in the lead up to the World Cup. He is also a vital cog in the SRH batting line-up, having proved his worth in the two games so far. In both games, Shankar scored useful runs that boosted the team’s total, and his presence bolsters the Hyderabad middle-order. After impressing with his consistent lower-order runs in the Australia series last month, Shankar is strengthening his case further for a World Cup berth in the IPL.

Kagiso Rabada

The South African's performance in the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders has spelled ominous signs for teams across the world come World Cup. His repeated use of the yorker to defend 10 runs was nothing short of remarkable. Rabada showed immense composure and skill to deliver under pressure, and it will hold South Africa in good stead at the World Cup.

Lead Images Credit: AFP