Defending champions India strong contenders for 2015 World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar with the 2011 ICC World Cup trophy

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has urged fans to retain belief in the current Indian team and look at things with a positive mindset. He’s also termed the World Cup defending champions as ‘strong contenders’ in Australia next year.

The Indian team were severely criticized for their performances after their 3-1 loss to England in the recently concluded Test series. While the Indian team’s historic win in the 2nd Test at Lord’s in hostile conditions was extremely praiseworthy, what riled the Indian fans in particular was the team’s meek surrender in the final 3 Tests. But Tendulkar praised the team for the way it bounced back in ODIs.

"I know the cricketers in this Indian team. I know what they are capable of. This team will come back in Tests. I want to look at things with a positive mind-set," the 41-year old Mumbaikar told The Hindu.

Tendulkar, who was a critical member of the victorious Indian team during their memorable 2011 ICC World Cup campaign, also added that India will be strong contenders to retain the title come next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

India have made a dramatic turnaround in fortunes by winning the ongoing ODI series in England by an emphatic 3-0 margin with one more ODI still to go.

"Look at the way the Indians have come back in the one-day series. The team has shown a lot of fight. India is definitely among the strong contenders for the title. It is a well balanced side and is tough to beat," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar added, "It is a versatile ODI team. There is depth in batting and variety in bowling. And the fielding has been brilliant. If you look at batting, there is a good mix of the right and the left-handers. When a right-left combination is at the crease, it becomes a lot harder for the bowlers. They have to find the right line.

"In bowling, the Indians have been bowling well in partnerships. There are some good pace and spin options at different stages of the innings," said the world’s leading run-getter in Test and ODI cricket.

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