ICC World Cup 2019 | India have a good squad for this World Cup with quality players, says Suresh Raina
BCCI
Indian batsman Suresh Raina stated that India have a strong squad with plenty of talent in all the departments to excel in the ongoing World Cup. He was confident that if India got off to a good start, Pakistan would have no chance of beating them and labelled Kohli and Dhoni as the key players.
A crucial part of the team that lifted the trophy after a 28 year wait on that famous night at the Wankhede Stadium eight years ago, Suresh Raina opened up to the ANI about the country’s expectations from the Men in Blue as they gear up to kick start their campaign against the Proteas on Wednesday.
One of the highlights of the tournament is certainly going to be the match between India and Pakistan, with whom they share a long standing rivalry. The Green Army has only defeated India once in an ICC tournament, and Raina believes that it is going to stay that way post their encounter in the present edition of the World Cup too, as long as they get off on the front foot in the mega event.Â
“I do not think that at this point of time, any of the players will be thinking about Pakistan match because we need to do well in our initial matches and if we will be able to win those matches then I do not think there will be an issue for Pakistan match. But in case we lose some of the matches, then I can say that there will be pressure on India for the Pakistan match, but if we win the first three matches then I do not think our World Cup record is going to break and Pakistan cannot beat us,” Raina said, reported ANI.
The Indian squad’s talent is undeniable, with world class players present in all the walks of the game. If senior players like Kohli, who is widely considered as the greatest ODI player of all time, and Dhoni, who orchestrated 2011’s victory and has been averaging 80+ in ODIs in 2019, step up to the plate, then it might as well spell game over for the opposition teams. Raina agrees with the common perception.
“We have a good squad for this World Cup with quality players and they are really doing good in all the departments especially in batting and bowling. In this World Cup, we will have to play nine matches and a good start is very important,” he said.
“Virat Kohli is the key player of this World Cup and apart from him Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), I think his role will be crucial for this world cup he has done a lot for Indian cricket and he is the most experienced player of the squad,” Raina added.
