Chennai: Former India captain Kris Srikkanth feels that India’s chances of winning the World Cup has increased with Dhoni being in excellent form.
Speaking at an event organised by Britannia in the city, Srikkanth said “With Dhoni’s excellent form throughout the league, it has only increased the chances of India getting the trophy home. Even if we don’t get a great start to the competition, consistency is important.”
Being a vital cog in India’s 1983 World Cup winning team and the selector during the 2011 World Cup, Srikkanth believes, that it is important for the team to concentrate on the middle overs (25-40), and maintain the momentum throughout the game.
“In 1983, India was nowhere in the picture. Now, India is not only going as a strong competitor, but also as a favourite team. With all our amazing cricketers pepped up for the World Cup, we have a winning team,” he said.
When asked to choose between Dhoni and Kohli as a captain, he replies, “Dhoni has been a very successful captain. But, Virat Kohli too is a fantastic leader. He is passionate, aggressive and his positive attitude reminds me a lot of Kapil Dev. With his brilliant batting and will to perform and succeed, he is a leader who always motivates his team and keeps them together.”
When asked to pick his top four, Srikkanth said ”Australia, England, and even West Indies might be the semifinalists along with India.”
Srikkanth also believes that bowlers like Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Shammi, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, can bowl in any condition which gives the team an excellent edge over its competitors.