A struggling India will find wings and regain the lost confidence if they can manage to beat arch-rivals Pakistan in their World Cup opener, says former chief selector and wicket-keeper Kiran More.
India have been going through a very tough phase since their arrival in Australia as they lost the Test series and then failed to win a single game in the ODI tri-series.
“In these tournaments, you need little bit luck also and if India turns it around and wins opening match against Pakistan, that will change the team as the confidence and aggression will be back,” More said.
“One match makes a lot of difference and India needs just one good win to regain confidence. It’s a really good team but they are just lacking confidence. Nobody is performing except a few players but the whole atmosphere will be changed with a good win,” he said.
More also felt Dhoni’s leadership will be key in the high-octane match against injury-hit Pakistan on Sunday.
“Against Pakistan keeping the cool will be the key and Dhoni is known for that. Aggression should be controlled and he handles it very well. India has a good chance to win this match and I hope that Pakistan’s jinx of not winning against India in WC continues,” said More, who played 49 Tests and 94 ODIs for India.
“Dhoni is the most important factor for India. If he is in form, he finishes off the things and is a genuine match winner. Virat, Rohit an Raina are also key players,” More said.
More said bowling is a huge problem for India while he is confident that batsmen will do well in the tournament.
“Batting is not a problem for them but bowling is a huge worry and they have to sort it out as soon as possible. Other teams are also facing fitness issues like Pakistan have lost Hafeez due to injury. For India if one bowler starts doing well, others will also gain in confidence. Like if Jadeja or Axar or Ashwin do well, it will help fast bowlers,” he said.
When asked if India has made a selection blunder by not picking Yuvraj Singh, he said that he should have been there in initial list of 30 players.
“Experienced players like him would have been useful for the team. He could have been in 30 probables so that India could have picked him if someone was unfit. I again say that I am not worried about India’s batting but bowling is a major concern,” he said.
