World Cup 2015: Team India Lack Experience but Have Fighting Spirit, Says Kapil Dev
Team India will kick-start their World Cup defence against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15. The team will aim for their third title, after Kapil Dev's men won in 1983 and Dhoni & Co. in 2011.
Former India captain Kapil Dev Monday said that though the country's World Cup squad lacks experience, they can fill the void through their energy and commitment. (Team India get 'luxury break' before World Cup)
Indian selectors excluded veterans Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Gautam Gambhir from the squad that will defend the World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand later this month. ('India's tri-series exit not surprising')
"If you see the 2011 World Cup winning squad, there are a lot of big names missing. They lack experience as comapred to the 2011 squad," Kapil Dev, who led India to their first World Cup triumph in 1983, said at the News24 cricket conclave. (Captains should do what Dhoni did in World Cup 2011: Fleming)
"However, this team has the energy and enthusiasm. They have the fighting spirit. That will hopefully take them ahead." (Odds stacked heavily against Team India)
The legendary all-rounder also said that at the World Cup, it is not experience but commitment that defines a winning team. (Dhoni insists Team India primed for World Cup)
"Every time you go onto the field, you strive to do better. During a match, commitment makes the difference," Kapil said.