Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev has said he believes that the Indian team is ready to win the ICC World Cup 2023 which will commence in October in India. However, he refrained from putting out a favourite tag on the team as a lot is going to be dependent on luck.
On the sidelines of the launch of the third edition of J&K Open to be held at Jammu Tawi Golf Course from October 4 to 7, he said that if team India enter the top four, from there it will be about “stroke of luck and everything”.
“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,” he added. He further suggested that the Indian team is ready for the tournament and that they should play passionately, enjoy themselves.
Kapil Dev on Asia Cup 2023 finals
Reacting to the Asia Cup finals between India and Sri Lanka, Dev said that it was a “fantastic” game, however, as a fan he would have wanted a close match.
Talking about Mohammed Siraj’s performance in the match, Dev said it is wonderful to see him 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,” he added. He noted that at one point the team used to depend on spinners, which is not the case anymore. “That’s why the strength of the team becomes so good,” he said.
Stroke of luck needed
Discussing the injuries sustained by some key players, including Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer, Kapil Dev said the team’s fortunes are hurt if two of its main players get injured, which is why a stroke of luck is required in the World Cup.
Dev also lauded Shubham Gill. “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.
Best Indian team for World Cup
Even as concerns have been raised regarding keeping certain senior players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal out of the team, Dev backed the selectors decision saying they have picked the best Indian team for the World Cup. “Selectors are doing their job. Just leave them alone. It is easy to point figures,” he added.