Our World Cup team is pretty strong, says Ajinkya Rahane
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Ajinkya Rahane has stated India’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales is pretty strong. India has been on a roll in the past one year in ODI cricket but lost the previous series against Australia, however, they still hold the favourites tag along with few other teams.
India had the highest win percentage in ODIs in 2018 as they won 14 out their 20 games. They continued their stupendous form in 2019 as well with series victories in Australia and New Zealand. However, they lost against Australia in the final assignment before the World Cup in a surprising home series loss. The World Cup will start from May 30 and each team will play nine league stage games against every other team. The top four will qualify for the semi-finals and the Ajinkya Rahane, who did not find a place in India’s World Cup squad, feels that consistency and momentum will be the key in such a format.
"Overall our team is pretty strong. Our overall package is very good. This time the World Cup will be played in a new format, we will play nine league games, so momentum and consistency will be important," he said on the sidlines of CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, reported PTI.
"If you start well, you will have to keep up the momentum, you will have to play consistent cricket throughout the tournament. In ICC tournament any team picks up momentum at any time, so we can't take any team lightly," he added.
The Indian team has a very potent bowling attack with pace bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Add to that, the presence of all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, and Ravindra Jadeja, the India Test vice-captain feels that India has a greater chance due to the pace bowling attack.
"Our overall attack, both pace and spin, is very experienced. The good thing is that all the bowlers in our team are wicket-takers and the team which has wicket-taking bowlers, their chances increase. We have bowlers who can pick up wickets in any situation," he said.
India had played three T20Is and three ODIs along with five Tests in England a year ago. India had won the series in the shortest format but lost the one dayers by 2-1. Rahane feels that that experience in the series will greatly help them in the quadrennial event.
"The English conditions will definitely help our bowlers because they know the conditions well having played their recently. They will definitely have to make some adjustments but that won't be a problem,” he explained.
MS Dhoni has captained India in 200 ODIs and has been extremely successful as he has all the major ICC trophies in his cabinet. The current skipper Virat Kohli also has an exemplary record as India has won 49 out of the 68 matches he has lead in. The Mumbai batsman feels that India will have an edge given the duo’s presence.
"Virat is a very good leader. Everyone has different qualities. Mahi bhai (Dhoni) has different quality of leadership and Virat will definitely get good support and guidance from Mahi bhai. He is such a senior player and being the wicketkeeper he can set the entire field and guide the bowlers on what length and line to bowl," explained the 30-year-old.
Last but not the least, Rahane also picked the sides he feels will perform well in the showpiece event.
"I don't believe in pinpointing any particular team but England is a good team. New Zealand have done well in ICC tournaments and West Indies is an unpredictable side. They can beat any team on their day," he signed off.
