Greg Chappell: Never underestimate India

Greg Chappell

Former Indian coach Greg Chappell has said that the defending World Cup champions cannot be taken lightly by other teams, despite them having endured a tough time in Australia so far. MS Dhoni’s men tasted their first success of the tour on Tuesday, when they beat Afghanistan by 153 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

“You can never underestimate India. They have not had a great summer in Australia so far but come the World Cup, I think they will probably be a different proposition,” Chappell said in an interview to Cricket Australia.

Australia are favourites for World Cup, says Chappell

The 66-year-old noted that Australia would start as favourites to win the tournament after a gap of 8 years and added that South Africa and New Zealand also have a very good chance of going all the way.

“I am biased, I feel Australia are favourites. They have a good chance in the World Cup. Australia will be well-prepared, probably as well-prepared as anyone else.

“South Africa will be pretty well-prepared, will be disciplined and will do what needs to be done and has the attacks for the conditions. New Zealand cannot be underrated. They are putting a good team together. Playing in their own backyard will give them a little bit of a home advantage over some of the teams.

“Pakistan, even the West Indies, I don’t think you can write off in these conditions because they have good pace bowling,” the former Australian captain said.

Chappell feels T20 cricket has changed ODIs

He further added that he expects four strong teams to make it to the semi-finals, after which it could be anybody's game.

“You have got to play well, have a little bit of luck. The four teams that get to the semi-finals will be good teams. From semi-finals, you know they are all good teams that have been playing well. From then on whoever plays well on the day should go through,” he said.

Chappell also said that the T20 format of the game has had a great influence on the 50-over format and has helped revitalise the game in a big way.

“Twenty over cricket has had a huge impact on the game. It is having a huge impact on the 50-over cricket as well. The grounds have not been big enough for some of these guys who hit the ball a long way and hard,” he added.