Presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a leader makes the Indian team a good unit going into World Cup, former Pakistan cricketers Inzamam Ul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar said on Monday. "I believe having Dhoni as a leader is a big factor for the Indian team. An experienced captain in a big ticket event is always a plus. Dhoni is one player, who has performed for India in pressure situations and scripted innumerable comebacks for the team. Having a leader who knows how to handle pressure makes Dhoni cut above rest," Inzamam, who has played five World Cups for Pakistan, said during a 'Cricket Conclave' organised by News24 channel.
Shoaib was even more forthright while dissecting Dhoni's style of captaincy. "With due respect and not taking any names, I have seen captains, who hide behind the team under pressure but Dhoni is one guy who would make the team hide behind him when they are under pressure. He is one guy who doesn't know the meaning of fear," the straight talking fast bowler expressed his frank opinion.
While Inzamam gave India a "good 60-70 percent" chance, Shoaib rated South Africa and New Zealand as the two teams in with good chance of winning the Cup. Inzamam did not read too much into India's performance in Test and tri-nation series Down Under. "let me tell you a story. In 1992, we went to Australia a month before World Cup. Not many know that we played six warm up games prior to World Cup and lost all six. We went onto win World Cup," Inzy, who looked completely different in his pathani suit and skull cap, said in his inimitable style.
"The wickets in Australia have become very different from what it used to be during our time. These are good batting tracks. Also two months in Australia have gave them insight and understanding of these tracks. "Adjustment is always key and Indian team will enjoy the advantage. Reverse swing won't be a factor with two new balls from both ends," the batting artist from Multan said.
"India and Pakistan are cornered tigers in the tournament. I think India versus Pakistan opening match will start from dressing room itself," Shoaib said. Analysing the strength of the Indian team, Inzamam feels that it's about "clicking in that match" at start of the World Cup. I think Indo-Pak match at start will be crucial. But I don't mind losing to India if Pakistan win World Cup," Inzamam said.
Yuvi, Gauti sad to miss out on World cup
New Delhi: Key players in India's 2011 cricket World Cup triumph, batsmen Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir today expressed disappointment at being overlooked for the upcoming edition of the quadrennial extravaganza. The Indian selectors preferred young talents over experienced pros such as Yuvraj, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Gambhir. "It was disappointing at not being picked for the World Cup. It's a decision which you can't help," Yuvraj said at a cricket conclave here.
The left-handed batting all-rounder said that his main focus now was to score as many runs as possible for his state side Punjab in the domestic tournaments. "At the moment, I am focusing on the Ranji Trophy and putting in my best efforts to make a comeback." Opener Gambhir expressed said he still has the hunger to score runs and succeed at cricket's highest level. "I play cricket to score runs and win matches.
I am still passionate about winning matches for India, my state team Delhi or any Twenty 20 franchise," Gambhir said. "I am disappointed at not being part of the team for this World Cup. We are the defending champions and it is a proud feeling. I definitely would have wanted to be part of this tournament."
players to undergo fitness test on feb 7
Adelaide: The fate of India's injured World Cup quartet of Rohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvi Kumar will be decided on Feb 7 when they undergo a rigorous fitness test ahead of the team's first warm-up game against Aus the very next day. "There will be a two-part fitness test of these four players. They will undergo a fitness test on February 7 and those who pass the test will then be examined in match situation against Australia the very next day. "Rohit has recovered around 80 percent. Ishant has a knee injury while Bhuvi is recuperating from ankle injury while Ravindra Jadeja is coming back from shoulder injury," the source added.
‘indian bowlers not consistent except bhuvi’
New Delhi: Senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that except Bhuvneshwar Kumar, other bowlers have not been consistent enough which has been the bane of India in their disappointing tour Down Under. "Save Bhuvi, I don't think other bowlers have been consistent enough. The likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have a lot of talent but they haven't bowled to one line. They have sprayed deliveries on both sides of the wicket. At this level, if the batsman gets 2-3 hittable balls every over, it becomes difficult for the bowling side," Harbhajan said, while addressing the audience at the 'Cricket Conclave' organised by News24.
‘Sachin, Rahul refused to take off shirts’
New Delhi: He was the manager of the Indian cricket team during its memorable Natwest Trophy triumph over England at lord's way back in 2002 and Rajiv Shukla on Monday revealed that Sachin ,Dravid and laxman refused then skipper Sourav Ganguly's request of taking off their shirts and wave it. Shukla, who was sitting by Ganguly's side at the lord's balcony, on Monday, recollected that evening's incident. "I remember Sourav wanted to give it back to Andrew Flintoff, who had taken off his jersey and waved at the crowd in Mumbai. Actually Sourav wanted the whole team to take off their jerseys and wave it. But Sachin, Dravid and laxman all had politely declined Sourav's request of doing the same," Shukla concluded.