Srinath backs India to do well

Hyderabad, Four-time World Cupper and former India speedster Javagal Srinath believes that any team should not peak either too early into a World Cup or too late into it if it were to be in the reckoning to win it.

In a chat on the sidelines of a promotional event here on Thursday, the 45-year-old Srinath insists that India is a force to reckon with in the World Cup despite the not-so impressive performances in the Test series and the tri-series.

“It all boils down to how well the bowlers complement the batsmen and vice versa. We need the three fast bowlers to take early wickets. That is the key to success,” Srinath remarked.

“Let us not give too much of importance to all the reports which are emanating from Australia pertaining to Kohli and Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket. One must remember every Indian player will go out there and try to win the Cup for the country. No one plays to lose a game,” he pointed out.

“We should respect and honour Dhoni’s decision to retire instead of attributing reasons. He has been a great champion and an amazing captain who has achieved everything what an Indian captain can dream of. We have some outstanding batsmen who can change the game in a few overs. This Indian team, I insist, is capable of bringing back the Cup.”

Srinath, who has 44 wickets in World Cups, also has a word of advice for the players and the fans about the India-Pakistan clash in the World Cup. “Let us treat that just like another game to avoid any unwanted pressure. No doubt, Pakistan is still a very good team from what I have seen in New Zealand (as match referee). Definitely, it should be a real tough game which tests the nerves of not just the players but also of the fans,” he felt.

“Realistically, I am optimistic of India winning the Cup for the simple reason that being there in Australia, Dhoni’s boys should have been familiar with the playing conditions there and know what exactly they are expected to do”.

Srinath says that all he is looking for from this Indian team is that every player is match-fit. “Injury scares are one thing which the team should not suffer in such a prestigious event.”