Brendon McCullum Has Morphed New Zealand Into a World Beating Side: Sunil Gavaskar to NDTV

New Zealand, over the years, have been the biggest under-achievers of world cricket. They have always been the dark horse and have impressed every one with their commitment but somehow have failed to go past the knock-out stages of the most coveted tournament in cricket. This time the World Cup will be played in their backyard. Are the Kiwis ready for the ultimate glory? According to most experts, they are.

Talking exclusively to NDTV in Sydney, Ian Chappell, Sunil Gavaskar and VVS Laxman agreed that in the 2015 edition, New Zealand are genuine contenders. (New Zealand Gung-Ho for World Cup, Says Ross Taylor)

"The progress that they have made is phenomenal, under Brendon McCullum they have morphed into a world beating side", said Sunil Gavaskar citing their performances over the last 18 months and attributing their upswing to the leadership of McCullum.

Agreeing with Gavaskar, Ian Chappell too felt that McCullum has made a huge difference in this Kiwi team. He praised McCullum's aggressive captaincy. "He attacks, he looks to gets wickets and in Australia, I think you've just got to be looking to take wickets in one day matches, otherwise you are going to be chasing way too many," Chappell said. (Disaster Plants Seeds for New Zealand Dream)

The Black Caps have made it to quite a few semi-finals but this time they look set to take a couple of steps further. According to VVS Laxman, this is the best New Zealand side that he has seen for some time and said that he wouldn't be surprised if they pose a stiff challenge for the rest of the bigger teams.

"A huge difference since the time I have seen Brendon McCullum taking over the New Zealand captaincy is the self-belief. All the New Zealand teams I played against - they didn't have this belief factor especially when they are playing overseas or when they are playing in big tournaments", said the ex-India batsman. (South Africa Favourites To Win the World Cup : VVS Laxman)

For Gavaskar, the emergence of Kane Williamson into a world-class batsman has also played a major role. The Black Caps have an exceptional bowling unit, but the sizzling form of Williamson has been the biggest cause for New Zealand's change of fortune.

"He has been batting absolutely superbly", said Gavaskar, "I think he is going to play a crucial role. He comes in at three, he scores at more than a run a ball and that's what you want at number 3 - somebody who can stop if there is an early breakthrough, maybe do a little bit of a repair job and once he settles down, open the shoulders and get the big guns going." (Australia Favourites to Win World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar)

Chappell too was all praise for the 24-year-old right-hander. "I like the look of him. He plays well of the back foot and that's very important in Australia. So, I think he is a very important man for New Zealand," said the former Australian captain.

Laxman though, stressed on their bowling attack and said, "They have got a good bowling line-up to take wickets for them. So, I think it looks a settled unit and as long as they have got this aggressive attitude and positive attitude and self-belief."

Solid batting, good bowling, superb fielding, a fantastic captain and home conditions - the Kiwis have everything going for them. The time for the Kiwis might just have arrived!