"Expectations are high in India that their team can bring home a third world title, emulating the famous first success in the tournament in England in 1983.England are currently the worlds top-ranked one-day international side and are rated as the bookmakers favourites to lift the trophy.Chasing their first World Cup crown, England have emerged as a formidable force, while defending champions Australia are also highly regarded after winning four of the last five editions.It was a triumph that inspired a generation of Indians to take up cricket and laid the foundations for their current status as one of the sports superpowers.". It depends on the team, not one player."You dont win a tournament unless everybody collectively plays well. It was nice.That fairytale campaign was capped with a stunning final victory over two-time champions West Indies at Lords and Kapil was back at the spiritual home of cricket on Thursday as part of the prestigious Indian Cricket Heroes event. Its a stroke of luck required at the right time," he said. I dont know if it changed the game or not," Kapil said when asked how aware he was of the seismic shift triggered by that victory. Everywhere in every match, you have responsibility.

Three or four teams have a chance. Still, pressure will be there."Its changing."Its a pleasure, you enjoy and have fun."If you are relying on one player then you arent playing to win the tournament."Theres no pressure, its a pleasure. Pressure means you are not enjoying it," he said."I enjoy playing so I never had pressure.But India, second in the ICC one-day rankings, are the only team to have broken Australias dominance over the last 20 years when Harbhajan and company took the silverware on home soil in 2011. The rest leave to Gas pressure gauge the Almighty. For everybody, not just me."Lords is always very special.And the 38-year-old off-spinner is certain Indias current crop have enough quality to match England and Australia."They just have to play good cricket. Its a lot better than it was.Harbhajan, who last played for India in 2016, has featured in three 50-over World Cups and two finals.Harbhajan, who has taken 417 Test wickets and 269 in ODIs, acknowledges that intense desire for success from the Indian public will bring its own pressures for Virat Kohlis squad.Kapil Dev remains the iconic figure from Indias maiden World Cup victory in England 36 years ago after captaining the side throughout their unexpected run."Like Harbhajan, Kapil sees India as one of the main World Cup contenders thanks to their strength in depth. Its a different way of thinking.All-rounder Kapil, known as the "Haryana Hurricane" during his playing days, modestly played down his role as a catalyst for a sporting revolution."India opens their campaign against South Africa on June 5 in Southampton and the 60-year-old is adamant his compatriots shouldnt feel under pressure to win. Thats more important.London: Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh insists his country deserve to be ranked alongside hosts England as joint-favourites to win the World Cup."We just the played the game. Not just on Virat Kohli but the whole team," he said ahead of the tournament, which starts on May 30.Asked who he sees as favourites, Harbhajan told reporters: "India, India and England I think

Hide Comments | Add Comment