India Favourites to Top Group B: Ian Chappell
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India thrashed South Africa in MCG on Sunday and according to Australian legend Ian Chappell, Mahnedra Singh's Dhoni's team is now the favourites to top their Pool. India came up against two tough opponents in their first two games and surprisingly, ended up winning both convincingly. Now with games against the United Arab Emirates, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland left, India have a fair chance to proceed to the knock-outs as the group toppers.
Talking exclusively to NDTV, Chappell said," I thought India had a good chance to beat South Africa but wasn't sure that they would win so big. India, now, is right back as favourites to win the Cup. This is a huge victory and now they have a good chance to finish top in group B." (AB de Villiers Slams South Africa's 'Unacceptable' Display)
Citing AB de Villiers's run-out as the 'turning point', Chappell maintained his criticism of South Africa's faulty tactics, "South Africa like choking their opponents for runs," Chappell said, "It works fine against smaller sides but the tactic doesn't hold good against quality sides like India."
He acknowledged the fact that the injury to Vernon Philander might have been a set-back for AB de Villiers but refused to accept that it would have had any impact on the result.
Praising the Indian fielding, the former Australian skipper said, "The Indian fielding matched up to South Africa's effort. They were brilliant. India's ground fielding has improved enormously, may be because of the IPL. In a big ground like the MCG, where England failed miserably, India excelled in the field." (Laxman Slams AB de Villiers' 'Defensive' Captaincy)
Chappell also credited the victory Dhoni's captaincy skill, "Just like the Pakistan game, Dhoni was on the job and the team looks vibrant", said the veteran of 75 Tests, "Dhoni had a plan for both AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis. They love to play through the covers and India bowled a wicket-to-wicket line."
Chappell though, was pleasantly surprised at the sudden turnaround of the Indian bowling and was impressed with the inclusion of Mohit Sharma , "Suddenly there is a consistency in Indian bowling. The bowling has cut down on bad deliveries and Mohit Sharma has been a revelation. He has made a difference to this bowling unit."
The former Australian international hailed Shikhar Dhawan's return to form but showered his praise on Ajinkya Rahane. (Underestimate India at Your Own Peril, Ravi Shastri)
"He's (Rahane) got amazing power for a little guy and got a lot of heart, I am very impressed with him. He is a guy with cricket brain and understands the situation. As Dhawan got near his 100, Rahane took charge. He took his chances and pushed the target up for India."� �
India face the UAE next on February 28 and should have minimal problems of going past the men from the Middle-East.
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