With just over 8 months left for the 2019 World Cup, former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis feels Indian team led by Virat Kohli will be a force to reckon in the marquee event. The Indian team have been in fine form in the 50-over format in the calendar year. They won series in South Africa followed by a hard fought series in England where they lost 1-2. Rohit Sharma led-team next won the Asia Cup 2018 to make a strong statement about their chances for 2019 World cup.
“I mean India will always be the force going into the World Cup because with Virat Kohli coming back, they will develop into a very good side,” Waqar Younis said in an interview with Khaleej times.
Younis also lauded India’s fielding standard and said that the men in blue have always been an exceptional batting unit but they have also pulled their socks up when it comes to fielding.
Praising the captaincy of Rohit Sharma
“Virat makes a massive difference at number three. But without Virat in the tournament, I think Rohit has done a wonderful job. He is very calm. His captaincy is growing every day. I have seen him do the captaincy in IPL as well. He is very calm. He likes to allow people to make their own decisions. He allows people to make their moves. He is a wonderful captain,” Younis said.
India last won the world cup in 2011 at their own backyard. They were not the favourites to retain their title in 2015 but went onto play the semi-final where they lost to eventual winners and host Australia in an one sided encounter.
India are slated to open their 2019 world cup campaign against South Africa on June 5, 2019.
