Rahul Dravid: India can do well in Champions Trophy

Dubai: Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid is confident that India will perform well in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy to be held in England from June 6 to 23.

Speaking to Gulf News, Dravid, who is here to play in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament for the Marylebone Cricket Club team, said: “India has been doing well in one-day cricket, so that is a good sign. Moreover, conditions in England might actually help some of the Indian bowlers. India will always be competitive in one-day cricket.”

Dravid is also delighted that the new youngsters who have stepped into the Indian team are performing very well.

“India has played really well against Australia. It was a very good performance, especially coming [after] the disappointment of the England series. Full credit to them and it is really good to see a few youngsters come in and perform well right away. It’s always a heartening sign when we look towards the future,” he added.

“I am happy to see players like Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara performing very well and Ravichandran Ashwin coming back strongly. I feel across the board they look really good,” said Dravid, who retired in January 2012.

However, Dravid said India’s tour to South Africa will be a big challenge.

“South Africa are really a good side at the moment. Their bowling attack is probably one of the best in the world. It is going to be a tough series for India. We have a few months to prepare for it.”

When asked what India would need to do to perform well in South Africa, Dravid, said: “The key to do well in South Africa is to have a good bowling attack for those conditions. If India can have three good fast bowlers followed by a wrist spinner, then it will be effective. Getting that balance right [finding the three fast bowlers that India need] might make the difference.”

As to whether he thinks Sachin Tendulkar will stay on to play the series in South Africa, Dravid said: “This series is just eight months away, so you really never know. Tendulkar playing well and at his best is an advantage for any team.”

Commenting on whether India should return to play in UAE, Dravid said: “I really enjoyed playing here in the late nineties, but it’s doubtful whether India can find the time to play in an event here with their tight schedule and the Indian Premier League matches. I don’t think India can ever play now in any event outside the ICC’s Future Tour Programme schedule.”