ICC World Cup 2019: India is in With a Definite Chance – Kris Srikkanth
May 4, 2019 at 5:31 PM
The former Team India opener and part of the 1983-World Cup winning squad, Kris Srikkanth believes India has enough in the tank – to have a major chance in the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The twelfth edition of the mega event will run between May 30 and July 14 in the United Kingdom (UK).
The former selection panel chairman, Srikkanth is in awe of the Men in Blue skipper Virat Kohli, who has shown commitment and courage over the years. His batting juggernaut has set an example for the younger generation.
Also, Srikkanth believes consistency will play a vital role in the marquee event.
A definite chance for India: Kriss Srikkanth
Interesting, when MS Dhoni-led side won the grand finale in 2011 against Sri Lanka at Wankhede, Srikkanth emerged as a proud chairman of the selection committee.
“India is in with a definite chance,” Srikkanth told Sportstar.
Meanwhile, apart from India, Srikkanth puts forth his prediction regarding the other three semifinalists. He has picked Australia, hosts England and the Windies among the final four.
Besides, Srikkanth has termed Jason Holder-led Windies as the surprise package ahead of the much-awaited tourney.
“The West Indies could be the surprise packet,” Srikkanth stated.
Game plan solely depending on English conditions: Srikkanth
Having the experience in playing World Cup, Srikkanth, himself struck 38 against the then fearsome Windies bowling attack at Lord’s. The Chennai-based star conceded that if the conditions will suit seamers than he sees Vijay Shankar in the line-up. He maintained that India has a balanced spin department to trouble opponents.
“If conditions favour seam bowling then someone like Vijay Shankar might figure in India’s plans as a support seamer who could strengthen the batting. India has a potent spin attack too and is well balanced,” Srikkanth added.
Moreover, Srikkanth is impressed with the way Indian top-order has shown the promise. Adding, the pace department has done exceedingly well. He said the opponents must be cautious about India’s formidable pace battery.
“When you have Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli as the first three batsmen, you can feel very confident. In Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Shami, and Hardik Pandya, India has a very good bunch of pacemen and teams will be wary of the Indian attack,” Srikkanth further added.
Also, the former skipper said Dhoni’s position would depend on the UK conditions. He added, Dhoni has been in red-hot form in the IPL. Thus, Srikkanth is hopeful that it bodes well for the national team.
“In England, if there is a cloud cover during a game, then the thinking and the batting order could be different. If there is sunshine, you have a different game plan. The difficult part is that the conditions change quickly. Dhoni has been in brilliant form in the IPL and that augurs well for the Indian team going into the World Cup,” Srikkanth concluded.
The 59-year-old Srikkanth has featured in 146 ODIs and 43 Tests for India.