Which bowler has picked most wickets for India after 2019 World Cup? No, he's not Shami, Siraj or Kuldeep

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ICC World Cup 2023 is fast approaching and each of the players getting opportunities are looking to give their best to seal a spot in the marquee event which will kick off from October 5 in Ahmedabad.

While the Indian top-order picks itself, there are still huge toss ups between several players to fill the middle-order and bowling spots both fast and spin. The fast bowling unit is especially in focus, considering that Jasprit Bumrah is just going to make his comeback from injury with the 3-match Ireland series from August 18 and uncertainty over his form, rhythm and relapse of the injury remains.

Same is the case with Prasidh Krishna who will play in Ireland after a prolonged injury break. Mukesh Kumar made his ODI debut recently and is comparatively new to international cricket. The likes of Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh are all but out of reckoning after being named in the Asian Games squad.

A solid backup pacer for Bumrah, Shami and Siraj is required and a look at the performances of India pacer after the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales shows a candidate ready to take the role.

Who has picked most wickets for India after the 2019 World Cup?

Just one bowler has picked over 50 wickets for India after the conclusion of the World Cup 2019 on July 14, 2019. Even the ardent cricket fans would fail to guess the name. Not Shami, Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal is the leading wicket-taker for India during the period.

Shardul Thakur is the leading wicket-taker for India after the completion of the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. He is the only bowler with 50-plus wickets during the period. The 31-year-old right-arm pacer picked four wickets for 37 runs in 6.3 overs against West Indies in the third and decisive ODI on Tuesday. He picked 8 wickets - most by anyone in the 3-match series - at an average of 11.62.

Thakur has picked 52 wickets in 33 matches since July 15, 2019 at an average of 28.34. He is followed by Kuldeep Yadav (48 in 33 matches), Mohammed Siraj (44 in 23 matches), Yuzvendra Chahal (37 in 23 matches), Mohammed Shami (35 in 23 matches) and Prasidh Krishna (25 in 14 matches). Hardik Pandya has picked 19 wickets in 23 matches (19 innings), while Bumrah has registered 18 scalps in 14 matches.

Highest wicket-takers for India after World Cup 2019

Shardul Thakur: 52

Kuldeep Yadav: 48

Mohammed Siraj: 44

Yuzvendra Chahal: 37

Mohammed Shami: 35

Prasidh Krishna: 25

Hardik Pandya: 19

Jasprit Bumrah: 18

There is no doubt that Shardul has made a strong case for himself for a spot in India's World Cup 2023 squad. His inclusion also increases batting depth of the team. The presence of Hardik and Shardul in the eleven will give India four pace-bowling option. The combination can also help India field three spinners in the eleven.