Out of favour Team India batsman in the limited overs format, Ajinkya Rahane is of the opinion that Windies and hosts England might be the biggest threat in the upcoming 2019 World Cup slated to start from 30th May in England and Wales. The Test vice-captain feels that an “experienced” bowling attack on helpful English conditions might give the Men in Blue an edge over other teams in the showpiece event.
The quadrennial event will be played in a new round-robin format. Ajinkya Rahane feels that the early momentum and carrying the consistency will be key to India’s success in the upcoming World Cup. “Overall our team is pretty strong. Our overall package is very good. This time the World Cup will be played in a new format, we will play nine league games, so momentum and consistency will be important,” said Rahane, who failed to find a place in the 15 member squad.
“If you start well you will have to keep up the momentum, you will have to play consistent cricket throughout the tournament. In ICC tournament any team picks up momentum at any time, so we can’t take any team lightly,” added Ajinkya Rahane who played his last ODI against South Africa last year.
The Men in Blue have a sensational bowling attack with ODI No 1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack. They also have the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami who can dismantle any bowling attack on their day. The spin department led by Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal has done a terrific job in the recent past. Hence there is no doubt about the fact that the Men in Blue has one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament.
“Our overall attack, both pace and spin, is very experienced. The good thing is that all the bowlers in our team are wicket-takers and the team which has wicket-taking bowlers, their chances increase. We have bowlers who can pick up wickets in any situation,” he said.
“The English conditions will definitely help our bowlers because they know the conditions well having played there recently. They will definitely have to make some adjustments but that won’t be a problem.”
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also picked New Zealand as the favourites of the tournament along with hosts England, India and Windies. “I don’t believe in pinpointing any particular team, but England is a good team. New Zealand has done well in ICC tournaments and West Indies is an unpredictable side. They can beat any team on their day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also feels that the presence of MS Dhoni on the field will be of immense importance for Kohli. “Virat is a very good leader. Everyone has different qualities. Mahi bhai (Dhoni) has different quality of leadership and Virat will definitely get good support and guidance from Mahi bhai. He is such a senior player and being the wicketkeeper he can set the entire field and guide the bowlers on what length and line to bowl,” he said.