India strong favourites to win World Cup – former India players
Former Indian cricketers feel India has the combination that has potential to lift their first World Cup trophy in 28 years.
The Indian greats have their hopes attached with the strong batting line-up, which includes the likes of Gambhir, Sehwag, Sachin, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028.
Former Indian captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kapil-Dev-c70234, feels the balanced squad and specifically their batting line-up has the credentials to go all the way in the extravaganza commencing 19 February in the Indian subcontinent.
"The Indian team for the World Cup is the strongest batting line-up we have ever seen in world cricket”, reckoned Dev, who led the Men in Blue to their finest triumph in the history – the 1983 World Cup title. “It looks a balanced team though the bowling
is a bit weak. So if they can play to their abilities they can emerge world champions", he added.
The 52-year-old former pacer feels the home crowd would be an advantage for the side he, however, did add that the pressure of performing well in front of their fans can influence the team’s performance negatively in the mega event.
"Dhoni should do better than me”, said Dev when asked whether the flamboyant Ranchi boy can emulate what he had done in ICC World Cup 1983. “He is a very fine cricketer, a fantastic captain and I hope he can achieve everything he wanted", he added further.
Dev said that three to four teams have an edge over each other. The legendary fast-bowling all-rounder feels the four-time reigning champions, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 as the favourite
contenders for this year’s World Cup.
South Africa’s bowlers, according to Dev, can make a difference in the mega event. When asked about Pakistan’s chances in the tournament, the legendary fast bowler said, “Pakistan is the most unpredictable team. You can never say what they can do. They can
upset anybody on their day".
Another member of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750’s triumphant 1983 World Cup squad and a former chairman of BCCI selection committee, Dilip Vengsarkar has also termed India as strong favourites to lift the World Cup trophy this year.
"India is numero uno at present, said Vengsarkar. “It's one of the best teams in world cricket at present...and are the strong favourites to win the World Cup”.
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