It has been a decade since India secured an ICC trophy, with their final triumph being within the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. The ODI World Cup was final clinched by the Males in Blue in 2011, below the management of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
After a hiatus of 12 years, India are set to host the World Cup as soon as once more. The group might be led by Rohit Sharma this time. India will enter the mega match because the frontrunners and sizzling favourites.
TimesofIndia.com spoke to former cricketer Anjum, who performed 12 Checks, 127 ODIs, and 18 T20Is in her profession, in regards to the upcoming 50-over mega match, Virat Kohli’s kind, India’s tempo assault and way more…
Who’re Anjum Chopra’s 4 World Cup semi-finalists?
That is a troublesome one. That is an unfair one. Even earlier than the World Cup has begun, 10 groups are there and everybody’s acquired an equal likelihood of lifting the trophy. If we actually assume via, what is the sustainability, how the groups are matched, I suppose Australia, the way in which they’re enjoying, New Zealand, the way in which they’re performing. You possibly can by no means preserve England out of the equation. You possibly can by no means preserve Pakistan out. We would like India to win. So all these, it is troublesome to choose 4. So, I named 5. It is unfair to say that these are my prime 4. Clearly, it isn’t in regards to the prime 4. I’d need India to win the match, however one recreation at a time.
India just lately gained the Asia Cup. How a lot of a lift will it’s for Rohit Sharma and his group heading into the large match?
It’s already historical past. They gained it. It’s good for them as a result of the boldness is available in. As a group, you’ve got gained a match, a recognisable match earlier than coming into the World Cup. However then once more, they will be going through Australia (of their World Cup opener). The World Cup is a kind of sorts of tournaments which has a really totally different really feel. The second you step in, the second that package arrives, the second you are in a World Cup occasion, it’s extremely totally different. The World Cup is a unique ball recreation altogether. It is nearly peaking on the proper time collectively as a group. And with the win of the Asia Cup, you simply really feel that they’ve simply began peaking on the proper time.
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Who’re two key gamers you assume who may play an enormous function for captain Rohit Sharma?
Rohit himself. Other than that, if I look in direction of the batting facet, I’d clearly really feel that Virat Kohli. He is clearly a world-class participant. You simply say Virat Kohli and you’ll simply preserve including the explanations behind this. Other than Virat Kohli, I additionally say Shubman Gill. These two gamers (Virat and Gill) can actually make robust impressions. In fact, Shubman idolises Virat. Virat has reminded us repeatedly how good he’s. However should you take a look at the bowling entrance, I will nonetheless say that, the contribution of the all-rounders – each Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja – might be immense.
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Do you assume Ishan ought to preserve the wickets and KL ought to bat and subject (within the World Cup)?
It is very clear from the Indian group administration’s perspective that they are backing KL Rahul to maintain the wickets and in addition be the front-runner as a keeper batter, however that is one a part of it. I feel if you will get each Ishan and KL it will be excellent, however then any person might want to miss out. So, choose and select might be between Surya Kumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer. Enjoying one other additional bowler might be a cause too. It’s going to be troublesome to squeeze each (Ishan and KL) in.
Is India’s center order a priority?
No. It is nothing like that. I feel now we have acquired probably the greatest middle-order batting lineups. Sure, there will be health considerations. There have been some health considerations with Shreyas Iyer, but when everybody’s match and raring to go, then I do not assume there may be any concern within the center order as properly. We’ve acquired batters like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Surya Kumar Yadav. There are gamers who’re ready to get into this lineup. Ishan Kishan is the one who’s vying for a slot. I do not assume it is a concern. I do not assume our center order is weak in any manner.
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Is India’s tempo assault going to be probably the greatest on the World Cup?
You requested me about how India’s batting is. Indian bowling has additionally been wonderful. We’ve already seen what Siraj has carried out. It is nearly one particular person shining on every day and whether or not it is Bumrah, whether or not it is Siraj, whether or not it is Shardul, whether or not it is any of the spinners doing the job for the group. It is a very good and skilled group entering into this World Cup. You possibly can say sufficient matches are there behind each participant.
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How would you price India’s probabilities this time, since they’re enjoying at residence?
Enjoying at residence is clearly a bonus as a result of you already know the situations properly sufficient. To win, it’s essential to take one recreation at a time. You do not climb the ladder without delay, you climb the ladder one after one other. The groups who’re coming to India to play the World Cup, all have certified to play this match, they’re world beaters. You simply cannot write any group off. All of them are favorites to win the match.
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How huge a setback will it’s if India do not handle to win the World Cup?
You’re feeling dangerous. You’re feeling dejected. You’re feeling annoyed and you progress on. It isn’t that the World Cup will not come once more. It isn’t that you’ll not play once more. It’s a contest, it’s a recreation. There can solely be one winner. You simply transfer on. You do not have to carry issues again. The following day, you rise up, stand up once more, and put together for the subsequent huge occasion. And if India wins the World Cup, then it’s not the top. It’s essential to stand up the very subsequent day as a result of there might be a World Cup to defend.
