Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that India are among the favourites to win the forthcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and that spinners may play a crucial role in the mega-event, beginning on February 14. Chawla has been a part of India’s historic 2011 World Cup triumph. No longer in contention, he, however, put his faith on the defending champions, who play arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match on February 15.
“India are a dangerous side in the shorter format and I believe they are the favourites. But keeping in mind the Australian conditions, I will also pick Australia and New Zealand as strong contenders as they have the advantage of playing at home. South Africa, too, will be the team to watch out for,” said Chawla.
“I really hope that India are able to defend their title. I may not be a part of the team this time but I wish them luck. Being part of a World Cup winning team always makes you feel proud. There are good memories that I always cherish,” he said. The 26-year-old felt that spin could play an important role, even on the bouncy strips of Australia and New Zealand.
“The grounds in Australia are big and so are the boundaries. The batsmen these days are looking to score at a rate of six runs or more against a spinner. So quality spinners can always take advantage of the situation. The wrist spinners, especially, could be very effective when used an attacking option. So, spinners have a crucial rule to play in this World Cup,” said Chawla and he named New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi the spinners to look out for.
Chawla picked vice-captain Virat Kohli as the key player for India while also putting his money on statemate Suresh Raina, who he feels can change the course of a match. “Virat has been having a great form in ODIs in last three years and everyone is talking about the way he has been playing, so he is the most important player for India at present. Besides him, India will depend a lot on the performance of Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina. Raina is a dangerous player and he can win matches on his own. Rahane, too, has been very reliable and solid,” he said.
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