After an arduous Test series against Australia, India must now turn their focus to the shorter format of the game. With the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand a little under a month away, India will look to defend the crown they captured so handsomely on home soil four years ago. Former Indian batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad talks to Dhruv Munjal about India's chances, the need for disciplined bowling and how everybody must contribute to ensure a repeat of 2011. Excerpts:
What do you make of the Indian squad picked by the selectors for the World Cup?
Out of the current crop of players that we have in the country, I think this is the best available 15. I feel that the selectors have done a good job. Different people will have different opinions and a couple of selections will always be up for debate. But that's the nature of sport. You cannot make everyone happy. In spite of the fact that some of the players will be playing in their first World Cup, this is still a very strong team.
The selectors faced a lot of flak for picking Shikhar Dhawan ahead of the in-form Murali Vijay. How do you see this selection?
Vijay was terrific against Australia in the recently concluded Test series and has been in outstanding form of late. But he hasn't played a lot of one-day cricket in the last few years. Dhawan, on the other hand, is a proven limited-overs performer. He scored prolifically in the Champions Trophy in England two years ago. So he can definitely bat in overseas conditions. His technique lets him down in Test matches, but the 50-over game is vastly different. He scores runs at a brisk pace and can attack right from the outset. The same is not true for Vijay. Moreover, Dhawan being a left-hander, adds a different dimension to the opening pair.
The pitches in Australia and New Zealand are likely to favour the quicker bowlers. Keeping that in mind, what should be the composition of India's bowling attack?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni should ideally go in with three fast bowlers and one frontline spinner. The choice between the two main all-rounders - Ravindra Jadeja and Stuart Binny - will solely depend on the nature of the surface on the particular day. But my preferred choice would be Jadeja, simply because he is a better batsman and fielder.
Looking at the current side, what are the weaknesses that can be exploited by opposition teams?
The batting looks very solid. If the batting fires, India will be a difficult team to beat. However, bowling remains a major worry. India's death bowling in particular over the last couple of years has been lacklustre. We have been conceding far too many runs at the death. If India has to retain the title, then the bowling must improve. You cannot give away 300 runs every time and expect your batsmen to chase them down. Fast bowling is all about discipline. The likes of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have to stand up and deliver.
Can we expect a repeat of India's title winning run four years ago?
This team might be a little light in terms of experience in some departments, but there is no doubting its quality. The fact that Dhoni has retired from the longer format of the game means that he'll come into the World Cup fresh and will be raring to go. India has the firepower to go all the way, but everybody must chip in. In the 1983 World Cup, which India won, apart from Kapil Dev's match-winning 175 against Zimbabwe, there were no stellar individual performances. Everybody contributed and that's how it must be this time as well. The greatness of this Indian limited overs team lies in its unpredictability. Anybody on his day can set up a win with an impeccable spell of bowling or a sparkling hundred. This is what makes them special.
Apart from India, which are the other teams that can challenge for the title?
Australia, playing on home soil, are the obvious favourites. They have an effective blend of youth and experience. South Africa is another team that should do well. However, their "chokers" tag may come to haunt them again. For me, New Zealand is the dark horse this time. Expect the Kiwis to spring a few surprises.
