Jan. 23: Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar believes India has a “balanced” side for the 2011 World Cup and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have the “capability” of winning the tournament and breaking the jinx of a host country not lifting the coveted Cup.
“The Indian squad has got a terrific blend of experience and youth and it also has got a good balance, good feel about it,” Gavaskar said. “I think this Indian team has got a terrific chance of breaking the jinx of the host country not winning the World Cup,” Gavaskar said.
The former skipper said the Indian team has been playing “some very good cricket” over the last year-and-a-half. He said Indians should extend their full support to the team and not “discourage” the players by “talking about selections.”
Gavaskar, however, pointed out that the one weakness he sees in the team is in the fielding. “There are certain bowlers in the team who are not exactly fleet-footed. That can be 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.
Gavaskar said playing on home turf will work in favour of the men in blue since the 15-member squad would be aware of the local conditions. Gavaskar added that while the “pluses (of India playing on home turf) overcome the minuses”, the “expectation of the public” could distract the players.
He said unlike the previous three editions, when Australia was a firm favourite, the 2011 World Cup will be very open. “There are other teams who can spring a surprise and who are capable of lifting the Cup this time around,” he said.