Kapil Dev believes, India is ready to win the World Cup

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New Delhi, Sep 18: Former captain Kapil Dev believes India are ready to win the ODI World Cup at home but he doesn't want to put the favourite tag on the hosts as a lot would depend on luck.

"I think if we can come in top four, that is more important and then it will be about stroke of luck and everything," Kapil said.

"We can't say right now that we are favourites, of course our team is very good. Heart says something else, mind says no we have to work very hard. I know our team, I don't know about other teams, so I would say it is unfair for me to give a blank answer as far as India team is concerned, it is ready to play and win the championships, they should play passionately, enjoy themselves."

"It is wonderful (to see Siraj bowl). I feel so happy that nowadays in all continents our fast bowlers are taking all 10 wickets, that's the cherry on the cake. There was a time when we used to depend on spinners, it is not anymore, that's why the strength of the team becomes so good. " said former India captain.

However, as a cricketer, Kapil said that he would have liked to see a close final in Colombo.
He said, "What a fantastic cricket played! As a cricketer I would like to see much close games but as a player, I feel bowl them out for 30 and win. As a spectator, probably a little close matches would have been better."

India ended their Asia Cup campaign as the title holder, but they are facing a couple of fitness concerns in the team. Axar Patel is going through a writ as well as a quadriceps injury and Shreyas Iyer has not yet recovered from his back spasms.

"In any team, if any two main players get injured then it hurts the team's fortunes. That's why stroke of luck is required, because if your main player gets injured, the team's balance gets disturbed," Kapil added.

Kapil also looked impressed by Shubman Gill's performance, he said, "This is a youngster who we can look up to. He is the future of Indian cricket. Very very proud to have a player of that ability in India," he said.
Selectors have been questioned for not selecting some experiencedplayers in the World Cup squad such as Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal missing the world cup bus. Kapil, however, backed the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, for picking the best Indian team for the World Cup.

He said, "Those who are not there in the team, what's the point talking about them. Everybody has their opinion. The selectors are better people than us, because they put their heads together and pick the best team. Selectors are doing their job. Just leave them alone. It is easy to point figures."

Kapil, who is also the Vice President of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), was here to attend the launch of the J&K Open golf tournament.

The Rs. 50 lakh event, presented by J&K Tourism, will see top Indian professionals including Udayan Mane, Rashid Khan, defending champion Yuvraj Singh Sandhu and former champion Honey Baisoya, participating in the event.

-With inputs from PTI