Sachin Tendulkar believes India’s “perfect balance” makes them favorites for 2019 World Cup

India performed like a well-oiled machine in the New Zealand series and ticked all the boxes during the course of five matches. When top-order failed to get going, middle-order came to the party and took India to a good score. The likes of Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar made sure that all is not done once the batting triumvirate of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli are dismissed early. That seemed to have pleased Sachin Tendulkar, who in no uncertain terms declared India as favorites for winning the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

"I have gone on record saying that we have a perfect balance in the team where we will be competitive in any part of the world or on any surface. As far as our chances are concerned, I will not hesitate in saying that we are the favorites," stated Tendulkar after witnessing India's record-breaking wins over South Africa (5-1), Australia (2-1) and New Zealand (4-1) in their own backyard.

In the last one year, India have only lost to WC hosts England (1-2), mostly down to injuries to key bowlers in that series. Apart from that, it was a convincing year for Indian cricket in all three formats of the game and Sachin believes that if the team can get early momentum, they will place themselves at a comfortable position as the tournament progresses.

"It's all about getting the early momentum. My judgment on the toughest contenders would be England, while New Zealand would be the dark horse." 

Speaking about Australia's chances after the return of their regular batsman Steve Smith and David Warner, Sachin said, "I think Australia at full strength will be a formidable side. With Smith and David Warner back in the team and their other bowlers coming back into the ODI squad, it will be a competitive side," 

Sachin, who is now in Kolkata to flag off the Kolkata Marathon, also spoke about the success Indian Women athletes had recently received with people like Hima Das, Dutee Chand, and Swapna Barman achieving glory at the Asian Games and women like Sakshi Malik  & PV Sindhu getting bronze and Silver medals for the country in the Olympics.

"It's been fantastic through sports. Now for a number of years, we have seen women have brought glory to our nation. I see parents being more flexible in their thought process now. It's not just about becoming a doctor, a lawyer or engineer. There are multiple things you can do today.

"That's how it should be. It's great for India. I always believed that the platforms provided for both men and women should be equal. This starts from the grassroots level. It should start right from the bottom and from thereon there should be equal opportunities for both," said a proud Tendulkar.

Remembering his coach Ramakant Achrekar, who passed away last month at the age of 87, Sachin said, "I hate using this 'was' word that comes to him. Losing Achrekar Sir will always be a permanent void. It was a wonderful time with him, that is how I would want to remember him. Wherever I'm in my life right now it's because of him and my family members. He was like family."

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