No favourites or underdogs: Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir believes there are no favourites or underdogs in the upcoming World Cup.

“The team that plays good, consistent cricket will win the World Cup. It’s too big a tournament to pick a couple of teams and say they can win. Of course, the side has to have three good days, the quarterfinals, the semifinals and the final,” he said on Thursday.

Gambhir was here as the Chief Guest of the Sathyabama University’s second Thirumathi Remibai Jeppiaar’s inter-college Twenty20 tournament for girls.

The 33-year-old left-hander said the teams would have to cope with the conditions in the antipodes. “The two new balls would make it tough for the openers. A good start is important. The batting unit needs to keep wickets in hand.”

On the much-expected India-Pakistan clash in Adelaide on February 15, Gambhir said, “Cricket is a game of uncertainties. I don’t believe in predicting. India has played well against Pakistan in the past World Cups, won all its matches. But Pakistan is a good side and it will be a new match.”

Gambhir said India would need to get all aspects of its cricket – batting, bowling and fielding — right to retain the World Cup. He was not too concerned about injuries in the side and said, “Ishant Sharma was the only one injured and he has been replaced. I do not see any other major worry.”

On India’s problems in finding a reliable No. 3, a slot he excelled in during the side’s triumphant campaign in the 2011 World Cup, Gambhir said, “It is not as much about the slots as the mind-set. A cricketer has to score in any position he bats in.”

Asked about his match-winning 97 in the final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium four years ago, Gambhir said, “India is fascinated by hundreds but that innings gave me a lot of satisfaction because it played a part in India winning the World Cup.”

He does not figure in the Indian squad for the premier ODI competition this time around. “Anyone would want to be a part of World Cup 2015. That’s what life is all about. You got to keep looking forward,” the cricketer said.

Gambhir was confident about making a comeback. “Delhi has had a good Ranji Trophy season so far and I am happy with my batting. We are looking forward to the quarterfinals.”