« Back to article

Print this article

'India would want to have some confidence ahead of the World Cup'

Former India captain Rahul Dravid says the Indian team should better win some ODI matches else they will be confused about the team combination going into the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 

"If you start losing games you don't know what your team combination is. If you win and players' establish their positions in the side, you have a better idea of the team," Dravid told the ESPN Cricinfo referring to the five-match ODI series that started with a called-off match in Bristol. 

"There is no doubt in the run-up to the World Cup that the team will try to have some wins under its belt. They want to have that confidence going into the World Cup and know what your team is," he said.

Dravid was of the view that the ODI series against England is very important from India's perspective.

"It is an important tournament from India's perspective because they haven't done well overseas recently. Though they have done well in the Champions Trophy, in the last couple of series they haven't done well. 

"From an individual player's perspective it is also a great opportunity. Just a limited number of games are left to go into the World Cup and they can stake a claim for a place in the World Cup squad. There are actually a few spots that are up for grabs and players have to establish themselves in the lead up to the World Cup," Dravid was quoted as saying.

He feels that new faces will bring renewed energy to the team. 

"There will be fresh energy in the team with fresh players coming in. Players like Suresh Raina, Sanju Samson and Ambati Rayudu will be fresh. I feel fresh conversations in the dressing room will pick up the team," said Dravid, who has also mentored Samson in Rajasthan Royals.