Stephen Fleming believes that Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team is a strong side, as well as, can be favorites to win the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, but only in one condition, if the team management keeps the players fresh, sharp and develop the replacement players before the mega event.

Fleming, the former New Zealand skipper, believes that Indian pacers will certainly face some tricky conditions in England, who will witness a hot summer during the World Cup 2019, therefore, India should be ready for every situation like injury replacements. He further added that India might need some seam bowling in England and for which they should have a lot of options here.

He told Mail Today on Friday, “They look like a strong side and might also be the favorites but it’s a hot English summer next year and it would really be injuries to Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) or (Jasprit) Bumrah that you need to be concerned about. So you need to develop the pace better and replacement players just in case. It will be summer in England and you might need some seam bowling.”

Meanwhile, India is scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand before World Cup 2019 and Fleming believes that it will be a great opportunity for the Men in Blue to get back into rhythm and if the players continue to play according to their potential, India will be a serious contender for the title.

Fleming signed off by saying, “I think you will have Virat Kohli back with the openers, MS Dhoni will rise for the big occasion. Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik are also there, so you have plenty of resources.”