It’s one of the best places on the planet to play cricket. It’s also a country which is a joy for fast bowlers. But as cricket-crazy India gets ready for the ICC World Cup, which begins in England this month-end, there is a feeling that the weather and conditions could play a big part. The frequent overcast conditions could add to the suspense too.

“I think the wickets will favour the batsmen more. But from what I’ve heard, the conditions will not be the same old conditions. We will have to wait and see,” K. Srikkanth, one of the big stars of India’s first-ever World Cup triumph in 1983, told The Hindu here on Friday evening.

The swashbuckling opener, who played Test cricket like a one-dayer, was the top scorer with 38 in that 1983 final against the West Indies in London. That victory changed cricket forever.

“I think that World Cup was the turning point. And winning the 2011 World Cup again was a big thing too. I’m sure all Indians are looking forward for this team to do well,” said Srikkanth, who was in Kochi for the Infopark cricket and football tournaments’ awards function at Kakkanad on Friday evening along with former football international Feroz Sheriff.

“I’m confident that India will do very well in the World Cup. And we all hope that they repeat the 1983 World Cup because we won it in England for the first time. Of course, we also won it in India in 2011.”

He felt that the World Cup will be an interesting one this time.

“We have a very good captain in Virat Kohli, a very passionate, aggressive and intelligent captain, and also well supported by M.S. Dhoni. And we have all kinds of players, we have good openers, good fast bowlers, good spinners,” said the former chairman of selectors.

“And I believe even though it’s going to be a long one, this World Cup is going to be interesting because every team plays every other team.

“I’d like to wish the Indian team all the best, hey Virat… just do it.”