VVS LAxman thinks that exciting line up fast bowlers is a big factor that tilts the scale in India's favour.
Dubai - The former Indian batsman reckons New Zealand and Pakistan will make it to the last four
Published: Thu 21 Feb 2019, 7:22 PM
The prediction game for this summer's showpiece event - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 - has begun and if former India batsman VVS Laxman is to be believed, the trophy will either go to hosts England or two-time champions India.
In his bold prophecy during the penultimate session of the day-long WION Global Summit 2019 in Dubai on Wednesday, Laxman also added that New Zealand and Pakistan - ranked third and fifth in world ODI rankings right now - will make it to the last four.
"It can't be called a two-horse race just yet because the competition is going to be tough like the 1992 World Cup that saw 10 teams play each other before the knockout stages but India and England have an edge and will start as favourites to lift the cup," said Laxman, who played 134 Tests and 86 ODIS for India in a career spanning 16 years. "It's not going to be easy but whoever plays well consistently and as a team will lift the cup."
Singling out one big factor that makes India favourites, the stylish Hyderabad batman pointed to their "exciting line up fast bowlers who, he felt, don't just restrict batsmen but genuinely pick wickets while making batsmen very uncomfortable."
"Besides India have been peaking just at the right time. More than their win in Australia, it is the manner in which they won against New Zealand following their Australia tour that speaks of their strength. New Zealand is a very underrated team and beating them 4-1 is massive. Winning the World Cup will be the icing on the cake," he added.
Here are his other excerpts from his talk:On Sachin-Kohli comparison"Sachin was inspiration for entire generation that including myself. Kohil is a trendsetter too but both are little different. Sachin is calm and composed and Kolhli is emotional and has aggression but he also has a keener focus on fitness that rubs on to the team just like Australia of the past under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. So he is one reason why India will be the fittest team at the World Cup.
On India's number 4 puzzleAmbati Rayudu's match winning 164 against West Indies last year has helped him seal that place. MS Dhoni needs to bat at 5 and anchor the innings.
On Pakistan's chances at the World CupPakistan must look at how they played (and won) the ICC Champions Trohy in 2017 in England. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed was brilliant and the way they came back from behind to lift the trophy should motivate them this summer. Their fast bowlers are their strength.
However, I was disappointed at their Asia cup performance because their batsmen failed to put par scores. Players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are good and they need to fire. The experience of Shoaib Malik add depth to their. They are sometimes top heavy but if middle order fire they are a great side on their day because Pakistan batsmen are the most destructive and dangerous in world cricket when they play with a free mind. Just that coach Mickey Arthur needs to designate specific roles for each.
On Sri Lanka's chances at the World Cup:One inspirational win can change fortunes. The way Sri Lanka won the Test by one wicket against South Africa riding on Kushal Perera's century should give them the impetus they need. It's just that their transition hasn't been as smooth as it has been for India and Pakistan after their golden generation departed. Match winners have not delivered and are yet to realise their potential. Injury to key players like Angelo Matthews and Lasith Malinga haven't helped too
Why Bangladesh are a dangerous sideThey made it to the semifinals of the 2015 world cup and the good news is that much of that squad are still playing. Their bane has been that they have lacked a plan and faith in themselves while chasing a big total. Bangladesh should go and play like they do in the subcontinent. They have an astute captain in Mashrafe Mortaza. They have the quality and they should be able to replicate it abroad. Players like Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hassan are great individuals in a team but can they perform collectively? That's the question they need to answer
Why Afghanistan is one of the most exciting teams in world cricket.They are determined and have commitment to their passion. They are tough nuts to crack. They relish all opportunity they get. They are inspiring the country in return and making everyone happy. It's not easy playing Afghanistan because their players have a never say die attitude. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, Mohammed Shahzad, who I call a little dynamo, are special talents.
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abhishek@khaleejtimes.com
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