Rahul Dravid, ICC World Cup 2019, India National Cricket Team
Rahul Dravid. Credit: Getty Images

Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid believes India has a balanced squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. Dravid feels India has covered almost all the bases and they have the team to go all the way in the ODI showpiece. Meanwhile, India has been in good form in the recent past and they have ticked the right boxes as a unit.

On the other hand, the Men in Blue will like to come up with a collective effort in the upcoming quadrennial event. They have savoured success in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and they would like to do the same in the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales.

Read More: IPL 2019: Nice to be Back After Missing Few Games – Harbhajan Singh

Rahul Dravid, Sanju Samson
Rahul Dravid. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

India has covered almost all the bases.

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid believes Virat Kohli has a lot of combinations and options to choose from. In fact, the Wall feels it would be imperative for all the players to play at the top of their game.

“It is never going to be easy for selectors. Without commenting on specifics, overall India has a very good balanced team for this World Cup. (They have) Lots of combinations, lots of options. It is a question of them performing in the tournament. You can always argue one or two cases, one or two names. The team has been picked, (now) back it and hope they do really well,” Dravid said while talking to TOI.

On the other hand, English conditions have significantly changed in the last three-four years. We now see high scoring games in England as the pitches have been on the flat side. Thus, it is crucial to have all the bases covered in the World Cup.

Read More  Even after being torn apart, Hardik Pandya equals Rohit Sharma's mammoth record in IPL

Read More: Only One Indian In ESPNCricinfo’s All-Time World Cup XI

“English conditions have actually changed, especially for ODIs. We were there last year for A series and scores were really high. 300 was par score and was being chased consistently. ODI has changed slightly in England and (you) can’t go with the typical mindset that it will be the old English conditions (of swing and seam). Wickets have become flatter, encouraging higher scores in England and wickets are catering to that”.

Meanwhile, the Indian team had lost their recent series against Australia by 3-2 while playing in the home conditions. However, Rahul Dravid feels the recent loss will not hamper India’s confidence.

ICC World Cup 2019: India Has a Balanced Squad for Tournament - Rahul Dravid
Getty Images

India has done well.

“In the last 30-months, India has been playing really well and the loss much to credit the way Australia played, came at the backend of a very busy series. We have the right combination for the World Cup, If India wins the World Cup, we will not be worrying about who won 2-3 or 3-2. There will be an odd series that India will lose. But the (ICC) rankings prove that India is there and should win the World Cup to become number 1.”

Rahul Dravid is also doing a fine job with the young talent of the country. Dravid has been a catalyst for Under-19 and India A teams and has helped the young players in rising through the ranks.

“I have enjoyed coaching and being with young players. It has not been an easy profession and involves a lot of time away from home. Luckily the family has been supportive. It is a great opportunity and a lot is happening in the game. It is fascinating to see the talent on display. The youngsters are a lot more committed to the game in terms of professionalism, fitness, coaching brings a lot of perspectives. It is a lot of learning and stimulating intellectually from a learning perspective”.

India will like to come up with a good performance in the upcoming World Cup. Virat Kohli has led with aplomb and the Indian team would like to come up with collective team effort in the tournament.

Read More  Jaydev Unadkat achieves one-of-a-kind record in the IPL after the MI vs SRH clash

Cricket is my first love. I want to be a wordsmith. I want to weave magic with my words.