Anand backs India to lift World Cup
Backing India to win the ongoing cricket World Cup, world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand on Wednesday said the thumping victory over Bangladesh just reaffirmed his faith in the team.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: February 23, 2011 10:26 PM IST
Backing India to win the ongoing cricket World Cup, world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand on Wednesday said the thumping victory over Bangladesh just reaffirmed his faith in the team.
"Before the World Cup I thought India were the favourites and after the Bangladesh match they just confirmed that," Anand told PTI here.
"I think its almost 100 per cent certain that India will qualify (for the knockout round). The tough part begins now. It all comes down to the knockout stages."
India defeated Bangladesh by 87 runs in their first match in Dhaka last week.
Stating that he was not following the performance of any one cricketer in particular, Anand praised flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag for his magnificent knock of 175 that paved the way for victory for the former champions.
"(I follow) whoever plays well on the given day. Sehwag played very well against Bangladesh."
The chess wizard said it was a good opportunity for batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar to fulfil his dream of winning the cherished trophy.
"It's very nice for him. What is the aim for him is also the aim for India," he said.