'Don't count Indians out despite poor recent form'

Viru's words

India’s run-up to the World Cup may have raised few hopes but Virender Sehwag for one believes that the defending champions have more to offer and should at least be making the semifinals of the mega event.

India’s poor performance in the Tests and then the ODI tri-series involving Australia and England Down Under leading to the Cup have led many to predict an unfavourable time for the Indians. The 36-year-old, however, said that World Cup was a different platform and that India would be doing their best to retain the title.

“I don’t think the performance in the one-day series should have an effect on India’s performance. Every team in the World Cup gives its more than 100 percent. I feel India should make it to the semifinals and then it would depend on how they play on that particular day," said Sehwag. “Apart from India, I think Australia, South Africa and New Zealand should make the semifinals.”

The swashbuckling Delhi batsman, who was part of India’s memorable 2011 World Cup triumph, recalled the moment with a tinge of nostalgia. Not part of the current outfit, he, however, said he would be cheering for Team India to retain the title. “We are still the defending champions. It was a great moment for us, something which can still fill tears in our eyes. In cricket, ups and downs happen,” he said.

“In the 2003 World Cup in South Africa also, not many gave us a chance but we managed to reach the final. The youngsters in the team are good and we have a good batting line-up.”

Sehwag said current rules have made the role of an allrounder crucial and India would need someone like Yuvraj Singh, who filled in the spot of a part-time bowler beautifully in 2011.

“With the new rule of five players inside the ring, it will become very tough for the part-time bowlers, that could be a disadvantage for us. That is why the role of the 11th player in the team becomes very important. At our time we had four players inside the ring but what Yuvraj (Singh) did for us as a fifth bowler was great. We hope either (Ravichandran) Ashwin, or (Ravindra) Jadeja or (Stuart) Binny does the same for this team,” he said.  

India face a tough start to the World Cup, opening against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 and South Africa on February 22. Sehwag felt it was good to face tough opponents so early in the competition. “Once you have played against two big teams, then the pressure goes away. If you win the first match the confidence levels go up,” he said.

Sehwag, who last played an ODI in January 2013 against Pakistan, said he was not thinking of retirement. “I am still playing. I would continue to play, and not think about anything else at least for a couple of years," he said.