I still cry thinking of 1996 World Cup semifinals: Vinod Kambli

An interview with former cricketer Vinod Kambli.

How good are India’s chances?
They have been playing some good cricket but the World Cup is more about handling pressure. And when you are the hosts, it’s simply crazy. The expectations are high but so is the support. This team can do well, really well.

How do you think your friend Sachin Tendulkar should view this tournament?
Deep down his heart, Sachin wants to win the World Cup badly. He wants to do it for himself, for his team and for the entire country. I reckon he should play his normal game. The weight of expectations doesn’t affect him. He’s crossed that stage. Basically, he should enjoy and play freely. And I am sure he’s going to do just that

Could you please recall that semifinal loss to Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup?
They keep showing that clipping of me crying. To be honest, tears roll down my cheek even today. We had played like terrific cricket throughout the tournament. We had beaten Pakistan in the quarterfinal. All seemed well till Sachin was batting. But once we lost him, it was downhill from there. I remember watching five batsmen depart while I was at the crease. Had at least one of them kept me company, we could have made a match of it. I cried because I thought I was robbed of a chance to do it for my country.

What was the mood in the dressing room?
The entire team hugged me. Most of us were crying. I received some 150 calls when I got to the hotel. We just slept over it and left for our respective homes the next day.

How balanced do you think is the current side?
To be frank, this team is full of match-winners. On his day, every player in this squad is capable of single-handedly winning a game. The talent, the class, the experience… everything’s there. They have to deliver now.

Who are the favourites other than India?
I think England are the dark horses.

Rohit Sharma and Sreesanth are the two big names who missed out…
I know what they are going through. I have gone through the same many times in my career (laughs). The selectors can pick only 15 players. I support the inclusion of three spinners but I feel Pragyan Ojha should have been picked in place of (Ravichandran) Ashwin or (Piyush) Chawla.

Do you have any message for Dhoni & Co?
All the best, guys. Our prayers are with you. Just go and get the Cup.