The current Indian team’s strength makes them “favourites” going into any competition leave alone World Cup where they are sureshot semifinalists alongside Australia, England and Pakistan.
The former India captain, who led the team to the 2003 WorldCup finals expects that current round robin format will be one of the most”keenly contested” tournament.
“My pick for the four semifinalists spot would be India,Australia, England and Pakistan. India are one of the title-contenders ofcourse,” Ganguly told PTI in an interview.
Ten teams will be competing in the ODI cricket’s quadrennialextravaganza in a round robin format where every team plays each other beforethe semifinals.
“It’s going to be one of the most keenly contested WorldCups. Indian team is so strong that in any tournament they will be favourites.This World Cup will probably be the best format. The best four teams will reachthe semi-finals playing all the teams. There are no easy teams,” said Ganguly.
Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets in nine games is not somethingthat will affect his performance in the World Cup.
“He will get wickets in the World Cup, don’t worry. He’s asuperb bowler,” Ganguly said without reading much into Kuldeep’s below-par showfor KKR.
The Prince of Kolkata is now playing a pivotal role in theturnaround of Delhi Capitals in search of an elusive IPL title.
“I don’t see the challenges as tough, I just find a way totry and make it work. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. It’s a greathonour to help these players and turn around a team which has not done well inthe past,” the Delhi Capitals advisor said.
Delhi Capitals are occupying second place behind ChennaiSuper Kings in the leaderboard as they need one win from three matches to sealtheir playoff berth.
“Delhi is a mixture of youth and experience. I can onlyadvice so the credit should go to players who actually execute it.” The teamhas two legends at the helm with Ganguly working alongside his former Aussiecounterpart Ricky Ponting who is the head coach of the franchise.
“We are great friends for a long period of time. I was therunners-up in the (2003) World Cup which he had won. He has great experience.It’s been a pleasure working with him. The way he adjusts to player’s needs isa remarkable experience. He’s a fantastic coach,” Ganguly said showering praiseon Ponting.
Asked about the glitz and glamour of the IPL, Ganguly said: “IPL is pure sport. The glitz and glamour is just 15 per cent. 85% is actually professional, hard cricket. Players are under enormous pressure to perform.”