India have been the most impressive side in the World Cup: Mike Hussey

MS Dhoni deserves huge credit for India’s turnaround in fortunes, according to Mike Hussey

Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey has heaped lavish praise on the Indian team following their sterling performance in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup. The defending champions have proceeded to the quarter-finals after winning all the 6 games in their group, which is in stark contrast to their horrendous form on the tour of Australia just prior to the World Cup, failing to win a single game in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

When asked which team had impressed the 39-year-old the most so far in the World Cup, he said: “I think it's India. Coming into the tournament I wasn't sure whether they were good enough to make it to the semis but their bowling, in particular, has been outstanding. They were always an unbelievable batting team, everyone always knew that but the bowlers have been sensational and they are certainly looking in great form to go all the way,” Hussey told the Times of India in an exclusive interview.

Hussey had earlier predicted that India will miss out on a semi-final spot, backing Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, instead, to reach the final four.

MS Dhoni’s faith in his players has been repaid: Hussey

When he was further asked as to what has led to the resurgence in their fortunes, he said that the Men in Blue are using the experience of spending 4 months in the country in the lead-up to the World Cup to very good effect now. Indian captain MS Dhoni has shown a huge amount of belief in his players and that has given them the confidence to stand up and deliver, he added.

“A combination of things really. They have been in Australia for a long time to really understand the conditions well. Secondly, it's the confidence - now their confidence is up. They know they are bowling well as a unit and I know Dhoni shows a lot of trust in his team. That's a big thing for a player, knowing he has got the faith and trust of the captain,” he said.

“He is always very calm and takes the pressure off the players, A captain is as good as his team and his boys have backed him extremely well,” he added.

India’s bowling, in particular, has been nothing short of remarkable, with the subcontinent giants being the only side to take all 10 wickets in their 6 matches so far.

Talking about the bowlers who have caught his attention, the Australian said that he was really impressed with the way Mohit Sharma has bowled so far and also showered praise on Ravichandran Ashwin’s exploits.

“I think it's Mohit Sharma. He is very consistent, knows what he is doing and is cool under pressure. Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav are also very good, but I think Mohit has graduated from being an international bowler to one of the best in the business. Another bowler who has been really good is R Ashwin. I have always held Ashwin in high esteem and he is doing a fine job,” the veteran of 185 ODIs said.