India have the ‘best chance’ to win: Imran
By IANSFriday, February 18, 2011
NEW DELHI - Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan feels home conditions and the slide in form of other big teams give India the ‘best chance’ of winning the 2011 World Cup.
Imran, who led Pakistan to their maiden World Cup triumph in 1992, said India’s squad for the mega event might not be their best but it has the potential to succeed. India play their first match against Bangladesh in Dhaka Saturday.
“It is India’s best chance of winning the World Cup but it does not necessarily mean that this is their best cricket team. I would have thought of 1983 World Cup winning Indian team and even the 1987 team as stronger,” said Imran.
Imran feels the dip in form of teams like Pakistan and Australia will boost India’s chances.
“Everything depends on what the opposition is. The opposition is not that strong now. The Australian team and even the Pakistan compared to that of 1999 or 2003 and 2007 are not that strong now. Relatively, the Indian team stands out and also Sri Lanka. I feel this is India’s best chance,” he said.
According to Imran, the team that handles pressure well will go far in the tournament.
“The World Cup is all about pressure. In 1987 we were a better side than Border’s Australia but once the pressure mounted, we could not withstand it.”
Imran said India have the ideal leader in Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
“I think India has a big advantage with Dhoni. I first time saw him in Pakistan and every time he came in to bat he did well under pressure. I think that’s a big advantage for India with Dhoni being there.
