ICC World Cup 2019: Kapil Dev picks his surprise package for the tournament

ICC World Cup: Kapil, who has also coached the Indian cricket team, is confident of India’s chances in this edition and thinks a top four finish is a given for Virat Kohli’s men.

cricket Updated: May 08, 2019 15:22 IST

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Former India player Kapil Dev rings the '5 minute bell' before day four of 2nd Investec Test match between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 20, 2014 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)(Getty Images)

The ICC World Cup is now less than a month away and former players from across the world are picking their favourites for the tournament. One man who knows all about winning the coveted trophy is former India captain Kapil Dev, who guided India to their maiden triumph in 1983.

Kapil, who has also coached the Indian cricket team, is confident of India’s chances in this edition and thinks a top four finish is a given for Virat Kohli’s men.

“The team has a great combination of youth and experience. In my opinion, they have the right balance and of course, there is Dhoni and Kohli. India will definitely be in the top 4. But that is where it gets tricky. They have a good team but belief and performance will be key,” Kapil said on the sidelines of an event in the capital.

Talking about the teams that he thinks will make it to the semi-final, Kapil picked three teams while kept one slot open as he thinks there will be a big fight for the fourth spot.

“The top three teams in the league stage will be India, England and Australia. The fourth one is doubtful as I expect a group of teams to fight for it. Can be between New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa,” Kapil said.

Asked who he thinks could be the surprise packages of this tournament, Kapil named an old adversary.

“In my view New Zealand or West Indies could be the surprise packages of this tournament.”

He also said that Hardik Pandya is an asset for the team and people should not put extra pressure on him. Kapil sounded very confident about the performance of the pace attack.

“Don’t put pressure on him. He is a young player and he should be allowed to play his natural game. There should be no comparisons at this point. They (pace attack) are fantastic and the English conditions will help them a lot. Bumrah and Shami are bowling brilliantly and they will be a very important part of the team in the World Cup,” Kapil signed off.

India start their campaign on June 5 against South Africa at Southampton.

First Published: May 08, 2019 14:50 IST