Javagal Srinath: India can retain World Cup if bowlers step up

Javagal Srinath wants bowlers to complement the batsmen

Former Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath has said that India can certainly win back-to-back World Cups if their bowlers raise their game and complement the batsmen. The cricketer-turned-referee also said that he has no doubt that the team will put their best foot forward at the mega event.

“Bowling will be very crucial. We need three fast bowlers to do really well. Bowlers win matches on many occasions. I hope Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Stuart Binny put their might behind and do well for the team.

“I am sure they will put their might behind even this time. They have the team. It’s all about getting their act together. If the bowlers do well I am sure the batsmen will definitely perform. It’s a batsmen game by the end of the day.

“If the bowlers do well I am sure this trophy can be retained by India,” the Mysore-born cricketer said.

Srinath feels being in Australia for two months will help India a lot

Srinath, who played the last World Cup that was held in Australia in 1992, further said the Indian bowlers have got a fair idea of the conditions down under and added that they won the quadrennial event in 2011 despite being under enormous amount of pressure from the home fans.

“Indian Team is there (Australia) for a long time now, almost two months now and they have understood the conditions better and they have the talent and I am sure with the help of technology and with the help of good advice they should be able to deliver.

“We are strong, there is no doubt about it. There is a decent amount of experience and they have spent enough time in Australia. I think they have understood the conditions better now and they know what to do and I am sure they will do well,” he said.

“The last time people said that the country which hosts World Cup, would never win. That was the sentiment that was expressed but I think that has changed. Under pressure India delivered last time. To win the World Cup in India was not that easy. They won many games to become champions.”

Srinath: India will begin on a clean slate at the World Cup

The 45-year-old also didn't wish to look too much into India’s performances in the recently-concluded Test and triangular series and said the Men in Blue will head into the World Cup on a clean slate.

“If you go by the data of the Test matches as well as the results of tri-series it is not very inspiring, but that’s ok, you can always improve upon. At times, it is not easy to keep winning all the times even other teams are there to win.

“But, irrespective of that, I think it’s a different environment for the World Cup. You can start from the scratch and you can progress well…I think all the teams have equal opportunity here,” the former pace bowler said.

“I still feel we need not have to go by the results in Australia. Every team has its ups and downs. It is so important for this team to peak at the right time. Peaking too early might not be the best and peaking too late is not the solution. I think it has to be that balance at the right time.

“So, I believe things are looking good. If players are fit I am sure they can deliver,” he added.

Srinath wants every member of the team to step up

Srinath feels that each member of the team will have to contribute in some manner or the other and India can't rest their hopes on a couple of players to deliver on a consistent basis.

“Everybody has a role to play. You cannot just pin hopes on one or two players. At least six to seven people in the side should consistently perform and then only you can see results. You expect at least six people in the side to do well,” he said.

When asked about the exclusion of Yuvraj Singh from the Indian squad for the tournament, he said that these things happen in the game and expressed happiness over the rest of the team. He also dismissed all talks of there being a rift within the Indian dressing room.

“That’s one talking point. These things do happen. He (Yuvraj) has been a match winner in the last World Cup. Apart from that I think I am pretty happy with this side as well,” he said.

“I have been through this enough during my playing days. I think that’s all a conjuncture. It’s about what you people read from a distance. I don’t think those things are true.”