World Cup: Good Start Crucial for India, Says John Wright
India have been struggling for some time in ODIs, losing in New Zealand last year and then in Australia in the recent tri-series but John Wright, who was India coach from 2000 to 2005, said self-belief and determination would also count for a lot in the World Cup where there are no clear favourites.
Former India coach John Wright feels that Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men can do well in the World Cup beginning on Saturday and a difficult build-up to the showpiece event would not matter much if they regain confidence by having a good start. (Dhoni Keen on Identifying Playing XI Before Pakistan Clash)
The Indian ODI team has been struggling for some time, losing in New Zealand last year and then in Australia in the recent tri-series but Wright, who was India coach from 2000 to 2005, said self-belief and determination would also count for a lot in a tournament where there are no clear favourites. ('Kohli Key to India's Chances' | India's Bowlers Lack Confidence: Gavaskar)
"I am not in the (Indian) team now and so the critical thing is how things are going inside the team. You might have an experienced team but may have bad results. But to be honest, every nation taking part in the World Cup will begin from the same position. There are teams which have been doing well and so would be favourites and others which might not have a good build-up," he said. "Happiness in the team, self-belief and determination are also important. India have had a tough build-up going into the World Cup but provided they have the determination and belief, they can do well and they need a good start, that is crucial. (Dhoni: From Ticket Collector to World Cup-Winning Captain)
"The opening game (against Pakistan) is going to be very important for India, it's a big game," he told 'ESPNcricinfo'. (ICC Approves Mohit Sharma as Replacement for Ishant Sharma)
Wright said the marquee clash against Pakistan in Adelaide on February 15 would be a fantastic opportunity for the Indian youngsters to come up with something special. "Everyone has to embrace the moment and enjoy the challenge. You have been selected to represent your country and you are getting the opportunity to play your main rival (Pakistan). That is a fantastic opportunity for the young players and the team to get the right result.
"Great players and great teams really looked forward to those big matches and they know it's a wonderful opportunity to do something special," said the former New Zealand captain.