Spinners will play a major role in the World Cup: Piyush Chawla

An interview with Piyush Chawla.

How has the South African tour been?
The tour has been helpful to me. Though I didn’t get too many matches to play, I got some good experience there. Most importantly, I got a lot of support from my teammates, which was really great. If a player enjoys his teammates’ support, it boosts his morale.

Did you expect to be in the squad for the World Cup?
It is really nice to be involved in a World Cup campaign. This is special. I was expecting the call, and I started feeling strongly about it after I was named in the 30 probables. I know that I was out of the team for two years, but then, I was always playing constantly. Be it county, domestic cricket or the Indian Premier League, I have been busy.

World Cup is being held in India. There could be a lot of pressure on the players.
Whenever you play in front of your home crowd, pressure is bound to be there. With every match, pressure adds up, but you have to play good cricket and keep the confidence high. But playing at home will also be an advantage.

How do you look at the Indian squad?
We have been playing good cricket for the past few years and this is clearly seen through the results we have got. I feel we have a balanced side and we will play good cricket at the World Cup.
What about the opponents? Who do you think will be the toughest?
I feel every team that will be coming in the World Cup will be well-prepared. We can’t name any particular opponent, as nobody will come to lose. We will not be taking any of our opponents lightly.

And Australia?
Australia are a strong team. Though they have had a few bad series in the past, they are capable of bringing back their form any time. They have good players, who can turn the match. So nobody should write them off.

What do you think will be the biggest advantage of playing in the sub-continent?
I feel spinners will play a major role in the World Cup. In India, as well as in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, pitches will help the spinners. So I will be working on my game.