Sunil Gavaskar
The Indian side looks good just before the World Cup. Many players are in good form (like Sachin, Kohli and Yusuf for an instance..) The subcontinent pitches would support spinners and we have many talented ones like Bhajji, Chawla and Ashwin besides many part-timers! And, we also maintain a good reputation and will enter the event being a favorite for clinching the trophy.
The former Indian Great Batsman Sunil Gavaskar believes India has a balanced side for 2011 ICC World Cup and the Dhoni’s men look capable to win the mega trophy and break the jinx of host country not winning it! “I think this Indian team has got a terrific chance of breaking the jinx of the host country not winning the World Cup. I believe this team has got the capability of winning the World Cup,” Gavaskar said.
“The Indian squad has got a terrific blend of experience and youth and it also has got a good balance, good feel about it,” he added. Gavaskar also told that India has performed really well over the past year and a half. And, all Indian fans should encourage the team rather than talking about selections! He also added that the men in blue will have a good home advantage as they will be aware of the local conditions and how the pitch would play.
But, he also pointed out Indian fielding as the weakness in the team. “There are certain bowlers in the team who are not exactly fleet-footed. That can make a little bit of difference but if they are used shrewdly by the captain, I don’t see too much of a problem,” he said.
Regarding the competitiveness of the tournament Gavaskar said “the 2011 World Cup is going to be a very open World Cup, unlike the previous ones where Australia was a clear dominant entity.”
“There are other teams who can spring a surprise and who are capable of lifting the cup this time around. It is really a format that rewards form on the day of the match. There could be a situation where a good team could just have one of those off days,” he added.
“It will be crucial for a team to maintain the intensity and bring out its best. Whichever team feels better than the other team is going to make the cut,” Gavaskar concluded!
Tags: Cricket, Cricket World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India, Indian Cricket Team, Sunil Gavaskar
