Team India’s immaculate turnaround of fortunes in the World Cup might have a surprising impact on many but team director Ravi Shastri was always sure of a brilliant performance as he says that the “script went on expected lines” thereby confirming that he had full faith in the players’ abilities.
As we all know, Team India had entered the grand event of World Cup after having a winless tour Down Under and the defending champions were far from being counted as contenders to retain the title.
However, our boys have already proved their credentials with two convincing wins against arch-rivals Pakistan and against another strong South African team. Team India have won all their three matches so far with splendid margins and are now sure to qualify for the quarter-finals as the top team from Group B. Shastri , on Tuesday said
“I am not at all surprised. In fact, why should I be surprised that the team has started on a magnificent note. I had complete belief in the boys and their abilities,” “It was a case of performing to their potential and that’s exactly what has happened in the two matches against Pakistan and South Africa. If you ask me, the script went on expected lines,”
In his opinion the break just before the World Cup did the magic and proved vital. He said “I think the team was mentally drained after playing the tri-series. The boys needed to recharge their batteries and freshen up for the World Cup. The break from cricket did them a world of good as they came all guns blazing when it was required. And frankly speaking, I believe that this tri-series that we played was sheer waste of time and energy.”
Not only he seems highly impressed with the batting and bowling, the excellent fielding Indian fielders have performed in the recent matches also left a deep impact in the mind of Shastri which compelled Shastri to go to the extent of calling them one of fittest units in the world.
Also avoiding a particular mention of his crucial role as all rounder during the 1985 victorious campaign in the Benson & Hedges World Championship, He said “I don’t love looking back too much into the past nor am I interested in looking too far ahead. But I would like to say this with conviction that this is the best Indian fielding unit that I have seen in many years. This team has some amazing fielders and they are among the fittest in international cricket,”
Praising the brilliant efforts of prime batting star, Virat Kohli, Shastri said the 26-year-old batsman has proved to be the best Indian performer on Australian soil. However replying to the possibilities of Kohli breaking majo international records, he clarified “I think that will be putting too much burden on one individual. He should be allowed to play freely and express himself in the best way possible.”
He further elaborated “As far as I am concerned, I have never seen any Indian batsman perform better than Virat on Australian soil keeping Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman in mind as they have done exceptionally well.”I mean show me one Indian batsman who has scored four centuries in four Test matches. He has been phenomenal. He was dominant and that’s the reason we carried the attack back to Australian camp in all the Test matches.”
In fact, contrary to the apprehensions widely circulating around, especially about the weaker Indian Bowling attack, the recent excellent performance of Team India has emerged as a strong contender of lifting the World Cup again and therefore the observation of Shastri will definitely boost the morale of Team India.