Laxmipathy Balaji, the former member of the Indian cricket team, has high hopes from the Men in Blue at the World T20, Times of India reports. The right-arm medium pacer from Tamil Nadu feels India have ticked all the right boxes in the lead-up to the global event and reserved special praise for the fast bowling unit led by Ashish Nehra.
India has been on a tremendous run of form since the turn of they year in the T20 format, with a 3-0 whitewash over Australia in their own backyard followed by a 2-1 series triumph against Sri Lanka at home. MS Dhoni’s men followed it up by clinching the Asia Cup which was staged for the first time in the T20 format in a convincing manner, leading many past and present cricketers to name India as their favourites for the World T20.
Balaji, whose last played for India during the 2012 World T20 campaign won by the West Indies, said that India was well and truly prepared for the 10-team event, adding that the team management has got just the right mix of personnel to perform well.
"India has prepared well for the ICC World Twenty20 and have got the combinations right in the last three tournaments against Australia, Sri Lanka and the Asia Cup. The seniors, as well as the juniors, are doing well,” Balaji said.
I rate Ashish very high: Balaji
The 34-year-old spoke of his admiration and respect for former teammate Nehra who has made a remarkable return to the national side after a gap of nearly four years. In spite of the return of Mohammad Shami, Nehra is expected to retain his place in the playing eleven along with youngster Jasprit Bumrah and Balaji acknowledge that the pair has been bowling exceedingly well, especially in the death overs.
“The fast bowling department has been looking great especially in the death overs. Ashish Nehra and Bumrah are bowling very well now. Ashish has made a very good comeback. It's not easy to do a come back after six years to a new Indian team,” he said.
Speaking of the time, Nehra had to sit out of the national squad after playing a key role in India’s 2011 Worl dCup victory, Balaji said that though the Delhi pacer has had his up and downs throughout his career, he was someone that he always looked in awe.
“He has had his ups and downs. I rate Ashish very high," Balaji said.
He also added that a good start was essential for any team that harboured hopes of doing well in the competition.
“I think whichever team gets a good start will get the momentum and it will finish well," he said.
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