Rahul Dravid also said that the Indian squad is a balanced one. Image Source: Twitter |
India announced a 15-member squad on April 15, for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. India ranks second in ICC men's ODI team ranking being just behind England. Talking about the selection for the squad, Dravid feels India has a balanced squad. In an interview with cricbuzz, he expressed his thoughts on the same.
"It was never going to be easy for the selectors. Without commenting on the specifics, overall India have a good balanced team for this World Cup. (They have) lots of combinations, lots of options. It is a question of them performing in the tournament. You can always argue one or two cases, one or two names. The team has been picked, (now) back it and hope they do really well."
In recent times, we saw many high-scoring games being chased. Talking on the same, Dravid thinks the World Cup will be high-scoring and India is well equipped for that situation as well. "English conditions have changed, especially for ODIs. We were there last year for the 'A' series and scores were really high. The par score was 300 and was being chased consistently. One-dayers have changed slightly in England and (you) can't go with the typical mindset that it will be the old English conditions (of swing and seam). Wickets have become flatter in England, encouraging higher scores."
Dravid was a part of the 1999 World Cup squad when England hosted the event last time. However, he speaks about the difference in condition now and then. "I expect the games to be totally different than in 1999 when England last hosted the World Cup which was a slightly low-scoring affair. This time it will probably be a much more high-scoring World Cup and India are well equipped for that as well."
India lost their last ODI series at home against Australia after being ahead by 2-0. Commenting on that Dravid is still confident of India winning the cup. "In the last 30 months, the Indians have been playing really well and the defeat - much credit to the way the Australians played - came at the backend of a very busy series. We have the right combination for the World Cup. If India win the World Cup, we will not be worrying about who won 2-3 or 3-2. There will be an odd series that India will lose. But the (ICC) rankings prove that India are there and should win the World Cup."
We have seen the success of India's Under-19 team in Word Cup and also the rise of India 'A' in recent years. Both the teams have been coached by Dravid. Speaking about his experience about coaching he said, "I have enjoyed coaching and being with young players. It has not been an easy profession and involves a lot of time away from home. Luckily the family has been supportive. It is a great opportunity and a lot is happening in the game. It is fascinating to see talent on display. The youngsters are more committed to the game in terms of professionalism. Cricket coaching brings a lot of perspective."
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