Gary Kirsten backs India to retain the World Cup
© AFP
Kolkata: India's World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten Saturday said the team has a "really good chance" of repeating their 2011 success.
Speaking to media persons at a city hotel here, Kirsten revealed that the Indians had an "incredibly strong team which the opponents would find tough to beat in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, beginning Feb 14.
"The Indians have a really good chance of retaining the trophy. They have produced a new team after 2011 and they have had incredible success. I think the Champions Trophy win was a tremendous event for them and they have an incredibly strong side, which will be tough to beat," Kirsten said. (World Cup 2015: Spotlight On Fitness As India Take On Australia In Warm-Up Tie)
Asked if fielding an injured player can become a liability for the team, the 47-year-old added that it depends on the circumstances and the balance of the team.
"Depends on how important the cricketer is to the balance of the team. Replacing an important but injured player is tough, as the guy who comes in to fill his shoes may not be able to play the same role.
Before the knock-outs the teams can experiment and reshuffle a bit and then settle down on the combination of the team, he added." (World Cup: Suresh Raina Ready to Take on Senior's Role)
Hailing Kohli and compatriot Amla as the world's best one day batsmen now, Kirsten singled out the Indian as the one to watch out for.
"Virat is a tremendous player, it's just his ability to perform and produce results for the team and he is very good at chasing down totals. Presently Kohli and Hashim Amla are the best ODI batsmen. I believe he is going to stand tall among his peers in the World Cup too.," said Kirsten, who guided India to its second world cup title in 2011.
Kirsten said the Indian team has already forgotten about the triumph in 2011 and their main focus would be the upcoming tournament and how to win the coveted trophy again.
"They have all forgotten about 2011 and are focusing on the upcoming World Cup. New time, renewed hopes, they will be doing their best to retain the trophy."
Kirsten was the Indian cricket team's coach from 2008 to 2011.
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