Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad reckons that the Indian World Cup squad has a plethora of options and they are blessed to have it as former Indian teams didn’t have that liberty. He also termed every Indian bowler as a match-winner.
During a recent chat with IANS, Gaekwad said, “We have a very balanced side — both in the batting and bowling department. And especially with the fast bowlers and spinners, the kind of option the Indian team has today, I don’t think we have ever had this kind of options. Our bowlers, spinners or pacers, are match winners in any given condition.”
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Indian bowling attack comprises of Jasprit Bumrah, who is arguably one of the bests in the world and even, BHuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami are also in the form of their life. In the spin bowling department, the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have struck gold for India so far and they will also be getting the experienced support of Ravindra Jadeja.
Gaekwad also showered praises on the head coach Ravi Shastri, he said, “He has done well right from the beginning. He has taken a backseat, unlike Greg Chappell. I did the same with (Mohammad) Azharuddin when he was the captain. Ravi has a great understanding with the captain and is a great man manager.”
The no.4 spot has been the talk of the town for India as the selectors have tried out different players. Gaekwad, who also worked as a national selector, said the much-talked-about No. 4 spot is more or less settled with K.L. Rahul fitting the bill.
Former Indian coach said, “Rahul is my pick because he is a stroke player and he will complement the top three as all of them are stroke players. Now there is Dinesh Karthik who has proved over a period of time that he can settle the innings once there are early wickets lost.”
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Gaekwad also reckons that the biggest advantage Virat Kohli has is the mentorship of MS Dhoni. He feels that Dhoni’s presence is sufficient to boost the confidence of the captain as he has the experience which can’t be bought in a shop.
