I don't find anything strange from my perspective watching the series (between India and Australia). I still feel that we are still going to be one of the favourites, says Dravid
Former India captain Rahul Dravid feels that India will go in as favourites despite losing to Australia in their last ODI series at home.
After taking a 2-0 lead, India lost the next three to lose the series 2-3 at home.
"I don't find anything strange from my perspective watching the series (between India and Australia). I still feel that we are still going to be one of the favourites. But it's going to be tough, it's going to be competitive. I think there was a bit of notion that we are going to walk there and win the World Cup. So it's a good thing that has happened. What it has reminded us is that we have to play the World Cup very very well," Dravid said at the launch of ESPNcricinfo's new metrics, Superstats.
"In a way, I think it's a good balancing factor. India has performed well in the last couple of years. There was a little bit of talk that we are almost going to walk in there and win the World Cup very easily because we are the No. 1 team and we have been dominating one-day cricket for the last couple of years," the India 'A' and U-19 coach added.
The upcoming Indian Premier League before the World Cup has raised a debate about the workload on the Indian players who will be participating in the quadrennial event. Dravid believes players are smart enough to deal with the issue.
"Most players are smart about these things. They know how to handle their bodies. I don't think the players would put their body on the line. I was reading Patrick Cummins (Australia pacer) saying that he feels better bowling when he is constantly playing rather than having rested and coming back," he said.
"So for each player, it's different. There cannot be a blanket case that all should be rested. We have to just trust the players. They know what needs to be done," said Dravid.
The recent 2-3 series to Australia at home will remind the Indian team that it has to play very very well in the World Cup, says Rahul Dravid
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