Ex-Kiwi all-rounder Dipak Patel believes squad has 'golden opportunity' at WC

Former New Zealand all-rounder Dipak Patel believes that the current squad would be challenged at the upcoming World Cup next year but insists that they have a golden opportunity.

Patel, the off-spinning all-rounder, stood out at the 1992 World Cup after it was decided that he would open the bowling, a strange ploy that paid big dividends.

It has been 22 years and nine months since New Zealand dropped out of the tournament after losing to Pakistan in the semifinal. But Patel now feels that they have got a good strong squad now, Stuff.co.nz reported.

However, Patel also said that there is still that fear of inconsistency, which is synonymous with the team. Hopefully, he said that they can sort that out in the next month or so, adding that going into a world cup, one can't have any doubts over ones selections or the style of play one is going to have.

Patel also said that certainly, playing at home is a huge advantage, adding that they can speak from experience from '92.

The all-rounder added that it's something they really need to embrace. He said that it obviously comes with added pressure and expectations are even higher, but admits that the camaraderie is great.

New Zealand is set to host the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup jointly with Australia from 14 February to March 29, the report added.