Defending champions India not among favourites for 2015 ICC World Cup: Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has said that he does not count India as one of the favourites for the 2015 ICC World Cup. Fleming, who won the ICC KnockOut Trophy as Kiwi captain in 2000, feels co-hosts Australia and New Zealand will progress to the semi-finals along with South Africa, predicting tough competition for the fourth spot.

"I will give you top four teams. New Zealand and Australia because they play at home. South Africa are in good form, the fourth place is a bit difficult. It could be anyone - India, Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka. So I am going to go with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and fight for the fourth spot," Fleming told PTI.

The 41-year-old Chennai Super Kings coach mentioned the knowledge of conditions as the prime reason for his prediction.

"I would just put it down to familiarity. Sri Lanka and India were the finalists last time. It was a very close contest. For the upcoming edition, there is quite a small difference among teams," said New Zealand’s all-time highest run-getter.

Fleming, who has a fair bit of knowledge of Indian cricketers owing to his 7-year long association with the Indian Premier League (IPL), feels Indian bowlers might find it difficult to prize out wickets owing to new rule changes and unfamiliar conditions.

"The rules have changed from back then, so that changes things a lot," he said, referring to the current rule of only four fielders being allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

"India's fast bowlers are not that bad but the emphasis does need to be on taking wickets, through both pace and spin. It can't be just about containment," said Fleming.

World Cup creating a lot of buzz: Fleming

The 41-year-old also stated that there is a good level of interest among travellers to visit the grounds during World Cup.

"There is a lot of interest. People are really looking at their schedule for going to Australia and New Zealand. The interest is more in the semifinals. There is one visa which makes things a lot easier for the travellers," concluded Fleming.