MS Dhoni confident of retaining World Cup trophy
India and Pakistan start their campaigns against each other and Dhoni feels his side's confidence will help the Men in Blue successfully defend the title.
India skipper MS Dhoni has said that his team is ready to defend their 50-over World Cup title and that the tournament in 2015 will provide another ideal opportunity for the Men in Blue to shine.
The schedule of the 2015 ICC World Cup was announced on Tuesday with India and Pakistan dominating Pool B. While the tournament - co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand - starts February 14, India and Pakistan will kick-start their campaigns by locking horns in a day-night encounter at Adelaide on February 15. Dhoni is sure that the team's confidence will help. "I'm keenly looking forward to the tournament and confident that we'll do well. Our recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 has provided the team with a lot of confidence, and I am sure this experience will help us in our preparations for the World Cup in 2015," he said.
Apart from the two teams, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland are in Pool B as well. Pool A has the two hosts - Australia and New Zealand, along with England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and two qualifier teams.
All eyes though would be on India, especially after their recent string of wins. And Dhoni hopes the momentum continued till the next World Cup. "World Cup is a very special event for every cricketer because it only takes place every four years. Having tasted success in Mumbai in 2011, we'll be working very hard to retain it," he said.
The final of the tournament will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29.