India in ‘catch-22′ situation as few teams have won WC on home soil: De Villiers
By ANISaturday, February 19, 2011
BANGALORE - Talking about India’s chances of winning the 2010 World Cup, South African batsman AB de Villiers has termed it as a ‘catch-22′ situation, saying that very few teams have won on their home soil.
The South African team, which arrived in Bangalore after their eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe at Chennai, underwent strenuous practice session at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
The Springboks defeated Australia in a warm-up match on Tuesday (February 15) in their second and final warm-up game before the ICC World Cup.
“They (Indians) are playing in their own country, they should win it. 1.5…whatever billion people behind them, so it is going to be tough to beat them, we all know that. But not a lot of home countries win World Cup. It is a bit of a catch-22, but they are quite close to the strongest team in the World Cup,” said de Villiers.
The entire team was seen sweating it out and practising despite sunny conditions.
South African bowler, Morne Morkel said that their team is all determined to win the trophy.
“Obviously, you don’t come to the World Cup thinking you are not going to win it. So, our chances are as good as any other team. This is just a matter of playing good cricket. When you get an opportunity, you the make the most of the opportunity,” said Morkel.
The South African team would move to New Delhi during the weekend where they begin preparations for their World Cup opener against the West Indies on February 24.
The team is led by skipper Graeme Smith, and includes the likes of Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk.
The other teams that are placed in Group B along with South Africa are India, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands. (ANI)
