Kapil Dev hails MS Dhoni-Virat Kohli duo ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Kapil Dev hails MS Dhoni-Virat Kohli: The legendary captain was wax lyrical about the two biggest contemporary names in Indian cricket.

Legendary Indian captain Kapil Dev recently opened up on the stellar duo of India captain Virat Kohli and former captain and wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Speaking during a promotional event, Kapil claimed Kohli and Dhoni to be “unmatchable”.

“India has a great combination of youth and experience. In a way they are more experienced than the other teams. They have the right balance — four fast bowlers, three spinners and they have Virat Kohli and Dhoni. Dhoni and Kohli have done extremely well for India. Both of them are unmatchable,” Kapil was quoted as saying.

Other than the senior duo, the 60-year old also opined on the India’s fast bowlers. Expecting the English condition to aid them, Kapil Dev said, “The four fast bowlers we have are fantastic, they are very good. I think the English conditions will help them swing the ball. Then players like Shami and Bumrah can bowl 145 kmph, have swing and pace.”

Kapil Dev picks favourites for 2019 World Cup

On being asked about the favourites which will qualify to the semi-finals, Kapil was confident about India’s chances in the showpiece tournament. “I think India will definitely finish in the top four. After that it will be really difficult. After the semi-finals, stroke of luck alongside personal and team performance will determine who goes forward.

India all-rounder @JadhavKedar has sustained a shoulder injury during the @IPL.https://t.co/DyjiOyPjmA

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 6, 2019

“England, Australia and India are the top three teams. These teams have more strength than the others. New Zealand or West Indies can emerge as the surprise package,” Kapil added.

On India’s No. 4

Sounding unconcerned about the much-discussed India’s No. 4 spot, Kapil didn’t shy away from saying that anyone can play at No. 4 during the World Cup.

“Dhoni went before Yuvraj [Singh] in Mumbai [2011 World Cup final]. In the last 10 years cricket has changed. Nowadays apart from the openers, anyone can play at the number four spot,” the former captain further added.

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On Hardik Pandya

Before concluding, Kapil also suggested everyone to not put unnecessary pressure on all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Being usually compared to him, Kapil talked about him playing his own natural game. “You should not put pressure on Hardik Pandya. He has enough talent, let him play his natural game. I don’t like anybody being compared to anyone because that puts pressure on that player,” Kapil concluded.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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