India need to play aggressive cricket: Ian Chappell
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India's World Cup campaign has reached Melbourne and on Sunday, they are up against South Africa. According to the global odds, India are the underdogs but NDTV panelists Ian Chappell and VVS Laxman think otherwise.
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Talking to NDTV exclusively, Ian Chappell said, "It's a 50-50 game. If India play aggressively and MS Dhoni goes for wickets, India have got a chance to beat South Africa." (Odds against India in Tussle vs South Africa)
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Agreeing with the former Australian, VVS Laxman also extended his support to India's chances of beating the Proteas. According to him, South Africa may start as favourites but if India bat to their potential, the South Africans would be under pressure.
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"Indian batsmen are back among the runs, we have enough batting potential to win matches", said the 39-year-old. (Dhoni Inspects MCG Pitch All by Himself)
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Talking about the pitch at the MCG, both experts felt that India shouldn't be concerned about the bounce because the pitch looked flat and there should be plenty of runs on offer. However, Chappell said that Rohit Sharma would be a key in the game because of his ability to handle the short ball.
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"India have Kohli and Rohit Sharma. They are very good players of short stuff and should take on Morkel", advised the former Aussie skipper.
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Both experts though were unanimous in voicing their concern over the Indian bowling attack.
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"This match is about how the Indian bowlers match up to the experienced South African batsmen", said Laxman, "It will be a high scoring game and India need to be positive and need to pick wickets."
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Ian Chappell suggested that instead of Ravindra Jadeja, India should consider fielding the young Axar Patel. According to the veteran, "I will pick (Axar)Patel over (Ravindra) Jadeja because he's a wicket-taker and India needs wickets in the middle overs." ( )
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Talking about the fielding prowess of both sides, Chappell praised the young athletic fielders of India but raised his concern over their throwing ability from the long boundaries of the MCG.
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India has never beaten South Africa in a 50-over World Cup game but as Ian Chappell said, this current set of players shouldn't be worried about the past record and on current form, India isn't too far behind AB's men.
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Will India break the jinx? Can South Africa maintain their streak?
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The experts are sitting on the fence but one thing's for sure, it will be a gruesome contest and the crowd at the MCG will be treated to some box-office entertainment on super Sunday!
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