Internet Desk: The well-rounded attack by India makes them favourites to defend the Champions Trophy they won four years back, feels legendary Indian spinner, Erapalli Prasanna.
“I feel India and Australia are two most well balanced teams. They should make the final. India especially have a very good attack with six specialist bowlers,” said Prasanna.
According to Prasanna the duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have to play a big role yet again for India’s title defence.
With 12 wickets at an average of 12.13, Jadeja was India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Ashwin took eight wickets at an average of 22.62.
“I also wanted to see Kuldeep Yadav in the squad but probably the selectors did not pick him considering the tournament is in England where you would need seamers and all four pacers that we have will prove more than a handful.”
The 77-year-old also added that “The 20 overs bowled by spinners will also be crucial. It is a 50-over game and their job will be to stem the flow of runs and take wickets in the middle overs.”
There is a reassuring feel about the fact that nine of 15 current squad members have played in the 2013 edition.
“We have a lot of experience in this current squad. The core remains the same which is the biggest advantage. With nine out of 15 from the current squad being part of the victorious 2013 squad, there will be a certain sense of familiarity with the conditions and that will help our team,” the veteran said.