Sydney: Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, one of the jewels of Indian cricket, took questions from The Telegraph on Wednesday afternoon.

A former captain, Gavaskar (65) featured in the 1983 World Cup-winning XI.

Excerpts...

Q Would India have been happier facing Pakistan in the World Cup semi-final?

A Champion teams do not worry over who they have to play, for they are confident they can beat anybody.

In terms of percentages, where would you place India and Australia?

60/40 Australia.

Should India's approach be any different because it will be a semi-final?

Why?

Is there a list of don'ts for India?

Don't lose.

What do you think has made the difference for India in this World Cup?

Good all-round cricket.

Is there a fear of the law of averages catching up with India, thus far unbeaten?

Champions don't think of such things.

How could India neutralise Australia's strengths?

By playing better cricket than Australia. It's as simple as that.

Does the traditional behaviour of the wicket actually make the SCG a neutral venue?

In a one-day game, the pitch doesn't change much.

Key men for India...

All 11.

What would be your advice to Mahendra Singh Dhoni?

Me? And advise a man who has won the World Cup before?

Lastly... Impressions of the first semi-final, in Auckland...

The side (New Zealand) which kept its nerve won.