Don't underestimate India in World Cup 2015: Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey has warned the teams against underestimating defending World Champions India in the 2015 World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand starting February 14. Playing down India’s recent Test series loss in Australia, Hussey said that the Men in Blue would go into the marquee tournament well prepared as a result of being in the country for the last two months.

Hussey said: "The big positive for India is that they have already been in Australia for the last two months. They are now well versed with the conditions here, the pace and bounce of pitches. They also have a tri-series coming up involving England. So they have a good run before the World Cup starts and nobody should underestimate them because of the Test results.”

The 39-year-old, who retired from international cricket in January 2013, is convinced that India will be a different side in limited overs cricket. He said: "Don't read too much into the 2-0 scoreline because not only did India compete hard in the Test series but they are a completely different outfit in limited-overs. They are very confident in that mode."

‘Kohli is a fantastic player’

When asked about the differences between the Indian side that was whitewashed 4-0 Down Under in 2011 to the one that lost 2-0 in the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Hussey said: "Well the batting has completely changed and they have done well. Virat Kohli is a fantastic player and he has just scored runs by the heaps. I think this will continue for him going forward.”

"There have been others too, like Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane, giving support to Kohli. Something like that was missing in the 2011 tour.”

‘Phenomenal for a youngster to score maiden Test ton in Australia’

Hussey, who plies his trade now by playing T20 cricket around the world, had a special mention for Indian opening batsman KL Rahul. He said, “Not to mention they have been able to unearth a talent like KL Rahul. It is quite an achievement for a youngster to come to Australia and get a maiden Test ton.”

The current Indian bowling attack, according to the Australian stalwart, is better than the one that he played in the 2011 Test series in Australia. Hussey said: "I dare say that this Indian attack looks better than the one in 2011 and they are all good bowlers individually.

“But there is a difference between being a good bowler and bowling good. And they have bowled poorly, lacking in discipline throughout the series. However, I also do believe that this series will serve as great exposure for them and they can learn a lot from this tour for the future."