Sport | Cricket
Dravid will lift World Cup for India: Gavaskar
Rahul Dravid will do what another January born captain did for India in the 1983 World Cup, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar told Gulf News.
- By K.R. Nayar, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 30, 2007
- Image Credit: Tracy Brand/Gulf News
- Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar visited theErnie Els-designed Dunes Golf Course at the Dubai Sports City.
Dubai: Rahul Dravid will do what another January born captain did for India in the 1983 World Cup, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar told Gulf News.
Kapil Dev, who captained India to the World Cup victory in 1983 was born on January 6, while Dravid was born on January 11.
On India's chances in the coming World Cup, the little master, who visited Dubai Sports City site, said: "India is on the right track to win the World Cup. I strongly believe that they can do it this time. The wickets in West Indies, as they are now, will suit them. We have the right balance to do it."
Analysing the present team, he said: "I would have liked to see more opportunities being given to players who have done well at the domestic level.
"That is the only way we will be able to identify the talent in the country. Though the primary purpose is to win a series, we can indulge in a little bit of experimentations and trials."
Elaborating his point, he said: "For example I feel it is a bit unfair on Joginder Sharma to be picked for one game and dropped while a few others, who keep failing, are still being retained.
"I am not saying that Joginder is the answer but maybe if you give him two or three matches, hopefully he will be able to prove his talent. I hope we get the right blend for the World Cup before February 13 when the team is to be announced."
When asked whether Ganguly should open the innings, Gavaskar said: "It is good that India has many options now. Tendulkar, Uthappa, Ganguly and Gambhir can open the innings. This flexibility is very good for the team because an opening batsman can always bat in the middle order while it is difficult for a middle order batsman to open the innings."
Gavaskar, who was a member of the victorious 1983 team, added: "To beat the Australians, you have to catch them on a bad day. They can quickly adapt themselves to different conditions. Don't forget, India did catch the strong West Indies twice in 1983."
Regarding Tendulkar being appointed as vice-captain, Gavaskar said: Dravid and Tendulkar get along very well. I am sure Dravid will be delighted to have someone like Tendulkar with such wealth of experience to assist him."
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