Tracking India's path through WC 2019

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is just over two weeks away. It kicks off with hosts England taking on South Africa in the opening encounter on May 30.

Two-time champions India are billed as one of the favourites to bring home the trophy due to its strong core squad, which is coupled with the right mix of youth and experience. And of course, in Virat Kohli, the Men in Blue have, arguably, the best willow-wielder in the world.

They kickstart their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. Kohli's side play two matches apiece at Birmingham, Southampton and Manchester.

Post their opening fixture, the Indians will lock horns with Australia and New Zealand at the Oval and Trent Bridge, Nottingham respectively. In what is the most anticipated match of the tournament, India will go head-to-head against bitter rivals Pakistan on June 16, at Manchester.

Matches against Afghanistan and West Indies will follow, after which they will play back-to-back matches at Birmingham against a tough England side and Bangladesh.

India will close their group stage with a battle against Sri Lanka on July 6 at Leeds.

India's 15-man squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, K. L. Rahul, Kedar Jadhav, Kuldeep Yadav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Shikhar Dhawan, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal