Kirsten: India are one of the favourites

Former India coach Gary Kirsten feels his former side are still one of the favourites to lift the World Cup despite their poor performances in the lead-up to the global event.
India have not won a single match on their current tour of Australia, and many cricket followers have already written off their chances of retaining the title that they won on home soil in 2011, under the guidance of Kirsten.
The former South Africa opening batsman believes playing at cricket's biggest showpiece brings its own unique challenges, and the India side has the players to cope with all the added pressures of playing in a world tournament.
Kirsten had special praise for India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who he feels is one of the best at taking on the responsibility when his team needs him most.
Recalling the previous World Cup final, when Dhoni hit the winning runs, Kirsten said: "In the 2011 final, Dhoni came up to me and requested if he could bat before Yuvraj Singh.
"Dhoni's credibility and past records should not be written off just because the captain's contribution to the team's performance has not been credible in the past few tournaments."
Although having full confidence that India will rediscover their form, Kirsten still hopes that the country of his birth, South Africa, pips the Asian nation to the title.
He said: "All in all, I believe that performing and operating in the chaos of the World Cup is difficult.
"However, the best in the current Indian team is yet to be seen by the world. India are one of the favourites, but I hope they finish second after South Africa."
The World Cup gets underway on the 14 February and will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Latest
-
News
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.
-
News
A look at unbeaten sporting runs following end of Australia’s Gabba dominance
Australia had not been beaten at the Gabba since 1988.
-
News
Justin Langer: Rishabh Pant’s innings reminded me of Ben Stokes at Headingley
India’s Shubman Gill and Pant inspired a record-breaking victory over Australia at the Gabba.
-
News
Tim Paine: India deserves winners, outplayed Australia
Australia captain Tim Paine has conceded that his side were outplayed in key moments of the series and that India were deserved winners.
-
News
Rishabh Pant reflects on ‘dream series’ after India stun Australia at the Gabba
India’s Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant inspired a record-breaking victory at the Gabba.
-
News
India move to the top of ICC rankings
After beating Australia by three wickets in the fourth Test on Tuesday, India moved to the number spot on the ICC World Test Championship.
-
News
Rishabh Pant unbeaten 89 steers India to series win over Australia
India pulled off a record run chase at the Gabba to inflict Australia’s first defeat there since 1988.
-
News
Joe Root shares victory call with fan who waited 10 months for team to arrive
England’s Test captain spoke with Rob Lewis, who has been in Sri Lanka since March, from a distance.
-
News
5 of the best England wins on the sub-continent
Joe Root’s side were convincing winners in the first Test in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Sarah Taylor: Cricket had to fade away but I’m happy
Taylor has not played the game since retiring from England duty in September 2019.