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| Ravi Shastri |
Cape Town: Former India captain Ravi Shastri, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, spoke to The Telegraph on Tuesday afternoon.
Shastri, who is in South Africa as a commentator for TV, talked exclusively about the XV chosen for the World Cup beginning on February 19.
The following are excerpts
His take on the World Cup squad
It’s the best possible side, I’ve got no complaints with the selection... The best, I’d say, after the 1983 unit.
Comments on each of the XV...
On Sachin Tendulkar
The World Cup is the one trophy he hasn’t had a feel of... This is probably his last World Cup and he’d definitely like its replica in his living room. Watch out for Sachin.
On Virender Sehwag
If India’s to win the World Cup, then his form will be crucial... At the top, the innings will revolve around Sachin, but Sehwag’s the one who can destroy the opposition... By doing so, he’ll take some pressure off the senior-most pro.
On Yuvraj Singh
Again, for India to win, he’ll have to be among the runs... Yuvraj is a matchwinner in his own right and, as I see it, his (spin) bowling will also come in very handy.
On Gautam Gambhir
He’ll be at No.3... Being a left-hander, Gambhir’s a key player... If you look at the history of the World Cup, most of the successful teams have had left-handers playing a significant role... The West Indies in 1975 and 1979, Australia in 1987, Sri Lanka in 1996... The only exception, perhaps, being India in 1983.
On Suresh Raina
A dangerous batsman and a brilliant fielder... When in form, Raina’s very useful down the order.
On Virat Kohli
He’s a tremendous talent and a streetsmart cricketer. Kohli adds value in the field.
On Yusuf Pathan
Is destructive... Pathan has the potential to win one or two big matches on his own.
On Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Arguably the best captain around... Also, arguably India’s finest captain of all time... Just look at Dhoni’s record... He’s taken India to No.1 in Tests and No.2 in ODIs... Plus, he’s lifted the inaugural World T20... Will be playing key roles.
On Harbhajan Singh
At the moment, he’s bowling beautifully... If Harbhajan’s form continues, it’s going to be a big asset.
On Piyush Chawla
Good man to have in case the wicket is going to afford turn... Chawla could be particularly useful against England and South Africa.
On Ravichandran Ashwin
He’s made rapid strides in his career and is an intelligent bowler... Ashwin reads situations very well.
On Ashish Nehra
Is experienced and can bowl well at the death... Nehra’s been among the wickets in a big way in the last 18 months or so and has been rewarded.
On Zaheer Khan
The spearhead... Zaheer will have to strike early... He’ll be getting ample rest after this tour and, so, I’m not worried over his fitness.
On Munaf Patel
Has done really well in the last six months... Today, Munaf is a much more confident bowler.
On Praveen Kumar
Very handy to have... Praveen can swing it both ways and has the ability to surprise top batsmen.
Finally, how good a chance do we have of lifting the Cup on April 2...
(Grins) India, Australia, Sri Lanka and one from Pakisan, South Africa and England should be in the semi-finals... If we start well and have the momentum, then we will be the team to beat.
