Exclusive: Can India remain perfect in this World Cup? Vengsarkar gives his verdict

Legendary Indian batsman Dilip Vengsarkar believes the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team might go down as one of the greatest one-day teams in history if they win the World Cup on home soil.

The prospects are now alluring after the home team's five emphatic wins from five matches in the tournament.

The only unbeaten team in the tournament so far, India have dominated their rivals with relentless aggression, even reminding some cricket fans of the great West Indies and Australian teams that decimated every team in the past.

Now can they go on an unbeaten run to win the coveted trophy?

Vengsarkar, in an exclusive interview with the Khaleej Times, says the team has what it takes to deal with the pressure of expectations when the knockout rounds begin.

Q. India have been superb in the World Cup so far. What do you think has been the key to their perfect start?

The team's performance has been tremendous. I think the main reason for that is that everybody is in great form, they have peaked at the right time. Their batting has clicked, they are bowling very well and the fielding has been brilliant as well.

Q. Are you surprised by Jasprit Bumrah's performance? He has only returned recently from a long injury-lay off. But it seems he has never been away...

It's amazing to see his return, he has been bowling brilliantly. His spells have been so crucial, he is taking key wickets, and he is also putting the brakes on the opposition teams' run rates. Both with the new ball and the old ball, he has been brilliant.

Q. Normally, fast bowlers need time to regain their rhythm and form after coming back from a serious injury crisis...

I think the BCCI deserves a lot of credit for his injury management. After his surgery, he was rehabilitated at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bangalore. I think that has helped a lot. His bowling has been outstanding and it would not have been possible without the work they have done on him.

Q. Rohit has deservedly earned a lot of praise for his captaincy and bowling changes in the tournament. But he is also setting the template for the Indian batsmen with his fabulous stroke-play at the top-order, giving the team flying starts...

Look, Rohit is a big-match player. The way he is batting, he is completely demolishing the rival bowlers. He is playing aggressively but at the same time, he is playing proper cricketing shots. And Virat Kohli also has been fantastic. Both of them are in great form. As you said, Rohit setting the tempo at the start has made a big difference. I was there at the Ahmedabad stadium when India played Pakistan. The Pakistani bowlers didn't know what hit them. It was such a dominating innings. It was amazing batsmanship.

Q. Rohit is now 36, and Kohli is 34. Maybe, they are playing their last ODI World Cup..

I don't think we can come to the conclusion that it's going to be their last World Cup. If they are motivated and if they are fit, they will probably continue to play. It's up to them if they want to carry on playing for a few more years. It depends on their motivation level, form and fitness.

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