21 March,2014 08:43 AM IST | | Debasish Datta
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has put his money on India in their big battle against arch-rivals Pakistan in today's World T20 clash; claims team skipper and the star batsman will perform
Kapil Dev
Mirpur: Kapil Dev has put his money on India in their big battle against arch-rivals Pakistan in today's World T20 clash.
Kapil Dev
Kapil, India's greatest all-rounder, believes the presence of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli in the team makes India firm favourites for the marquee clash.
"Of course India are favourites to win because we have got Dhoni and Kohli in our team. Till the time they are at the crease, India will have an upper hand," Kapil told mid-day on the eve of the much-awaited game.
When pointed out that bowling is India's weak link, Kapil said: "Yes, I accept it. Our bowlers have to bowl a little up. Like Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, Pakistan's batsmen also enjoy playing their shots.
Our bowlers will have to be very careful. We cannot provide them any room to free their arms," said India's 1983 World Cup-winning skipper, who is on commentary duty here.
Although India are good at chasing targets, Kapil said it is important Dhoni opts to bat after winning the toss.
'Bat first'
"We should bat first. Normally, wickets are good here. It would be good to put up a big score up front. There is also a possibility of dew. Our non-regular bowlers are all spinners, so batting first is important.
"We have to be calculative and assertive if we are put into bat by the opponents," he said.
Kapil felt going with three spinners is a good plan. "There is some bounce on the wicket and our medium-pacers are not bowling that well. (However), I will welcome any decision that Dhoni takes," Kapil signed off.
