'Controversies strengthened team unity'

The relaxed Indian captain did not want to dwell on the reasons for the agitated players boycotting the national camp for six days last month in Pune, demanding payment of their match fees, sponsorship money and bonuses. He appeared satisfied that something good had come out of their controversial stand.

“If people want to call it controversy, so be it. But these things have only strengthened the team unity. We feel we are working together more and we are a motivated lot now,” Rajpal said.

“The morale of the team is high, we just can’t wait for the 28th for our opening game against Pakistan. I would like to assure everyone that we will play our hearts out.”  

For the record, the green shirts had beaten India in all their three meetings last year, but Rajpal insists that these results won’t have a bearing on Sunday’s World Cup match. In fact, he hopes, with a little bit of luck, for a top-four finish for India.

“I think we have a good chance of winning with the home advantage. Our crowds will be like cricket team’s 12th man for us,” he said.

“Pakistan are not the only team for us to worry about in a tough draw. We have Australia and Spain too in our group, but then in the World Cup there can’t be any easy outings. Anything can happen. We have to to be at our best and finish well. I hope we can get to the semis.”