March 07 2016, 18.22 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
New Delhi: India is the favourite team to win the ICC T20 World Cup, believes top ex-cricketers from Asia including VVS Laxman, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mohammad Kaif, who also said that Indian team has gone under superb transformation mainly due to start of IPL in India. While speaking at “Aaj Tak Salaam Cricket” conclave they said India has most well-balanced team and talented cricketers that has well adapted to the T20 format which gives advantage to the team.
According to VVS Laxman, Indian team was in superb form and has proved its dominance in the Asia Cup by winning it convincingly. “Indian cricket team is ruthless and playing consistent cricket. They have match-winning players and good finsihers of the game that gives it advantage over other players,” he said. Similarly, Sanath Jayasuriya said India has benefited over the years as IPL has helped it groom players and make new and young players ready when older players are retiring.
All the players have praise for Virat Kohli who was described as world’s greatest batsman in all formats in the world today. Laxman said Virat’s greatest strength is that he can adapt to any situation and handle pressure well that has led to him becoming a consistent player. Laxma also praised Indian captain M S Dhoni for being cool and calm in all situations and being able to lead his team well. He said Dhoni never changes and he is a special captain who has always led by example.
Talking about Sri Lankan cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya said his team was not playing well and was disappointed by its performance in the Asia Cup T20 tournament. He blamed Sri Lankan cricketing Board for not giving time to its players to perform and making frequent changes in the team. He said Sri Lankan team will make a comeback soon and that his team needs more consistence players. He highlighted the need to improve domestic cricket formats in Sri Lanka to bring out more young players and also giving Sri Lankan more exposure in IPL matches. He said Sri Lankan team has slim chances in the T20 world cup as its key players are missing.
According to West Indian player Dwayne Bravo, once his team used to be champion but now it is not able to play as a single, united unit and was performing badly. “But we still have chances to perform well and win the T20 World Cup. He said a lot of West Indian player play in IPL because they do not get selected in the national team. He said all such players would like to play for the national team provided that are selected for it.
Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar said his team has totally transformed over the years and was performing well. He said his team was well balanced and has talent to win the world cup. He said Bangaldesh has been kept in strong group and therefore his team cannot afford to make even a singly mistake.
