Indian Opener Virender Sehwag has revealed that he is confident of India reaching the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup. After that, it all depends on how the team plays on that particular day. He also predicted the semi-finalists ahead of the World Cup when he was asked during the Sehwag during the launch of a special show by 92.7 BIG FM ‘Cricket ka Big Headquarter’.
He said I am sure India will make it to the semifinals and after that it would depend on how they play on a particular day. Besides India, I think Australia, South Africa and New Zealand would make the semis. Apart from India, I would choose Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reach the last four.
He also said that the recent performances down under won’t hamper India’s chances and drew comparisons with the 2003 series loss against New Zealand.
I don’t think the team will be much affected with their recent performances. Everyone will give their 100 per cent effort during the World Cup and recent results may not have any influence. Just before the 2003 World Cup, India had a disastrous tour of New Zealand and everyone thought that we won’t do well in South Africa. But we ended up making it to the finals. Players will have to identify their problems. I am sure all they of them must be working hard to and preparing well for the World Cup and some of them would come out with flying colours, Sehwag added.
Sehwag also felt that the Indian side was better in the 2011 World Cup just because the tournament took place in the sub-continent, Sehwag said:
Obviously, the fact that the pitches are different in Australia and New Zealand, would make a difference. The part-time bowlers also may find it more difficult, especially with ODI rules being changed. With five fielders in the ring, it’s very hard to play a part-timer. So that might be a disadvantage for our team. In this scenario, selecting the 11th player in the side becomes very important. What Yuvraj (Singh) did for us in the last World Cup as a fifth bowler was great. We hope that (Stuart) Binny or (Ravindra) Jadeja to do it for us this time around.
Sehwag also said that if India manages to win their first match against arch-rivals Pakistan, it would take the pressure off them going into the tournament.
He also added if you can win your first match, you don’t feel any pressure. Once you beat a big team in the first one or two games, you know you can handle the other sides during the league stage. If India can beat Pakistan in their tournament opener, it would a big confidence booster for them.
He also lashed out at the media for all the criticism Virat Kohli faced due to his relationship with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
People should only criticise a cricketer if he is not performing well on the field and not because he is with some particular person, he concluded.