Putting India and England as favourites to win the forthcoming ICC World Cup, batting great V.V.S. Laxman on Wednesday said Virat Kohli and Co. are peaking at the right time after their historic ODI series triumphs in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s all about peaking at the right time which is so important. The World Cup is a long format so every player should be at his best physically and mentally if India has to win the World Cup. They start as favourites. For me, India and England start as favourites,” Laxman told reporters on the sidelines of Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament preparations here.
The 44-year old is a batting consultant of the Bengal team as a part of Cricket Association of Bengal’s Vision 2020 programme.
The World Cup kicks off in England from May 30 with India taking on South Africa in their opening game on June 5 in Southampton.
The Indian team edged Australia 2-1 in the three-match series and then went on to thump New Zealand by a healthy margin of 4-1 in the 50-over format.
India will now take on Australia at home in five ODIs and two T20s starting February 24.
“I think brilliant. The way they played, I would like to congratulate the entire team,” Laxman said.
“The way they played right from the Australia series to the New Zealand series… and it’s not only one or two players who have put their hand up. Everyone has contributed. So it’s great to see bowling and batting departments contribute,” he added.