Tendulkar also declared Team India firm favourites for the 2019 World Cup.
With less than four months to go for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has declared Team India firm favourites for the showpiece event in the United Kingdom. Tendulkar believes the current crop of Indian cricketers are equipped enough to be competitive "in any part of the world and on any surface".
In the last one year, the Indian ODI team under Virat Kohli has won three bilateral away series against South Africa (5-1), Australia (2-1) and New Zealand (4-1) with only defeat coming against England (1-2). The Men in Blue have also clinched the Asia Cup in UAE in the absence of regular skipper Kohli.
"I have gone on record saying that we have a perfect balance in the team where we will be competitive in any part of the world or on any surface," Tendulkar quoted as saying by PTI.
"As far as our chances are concerned, I will not hesitate in saying that we are the favourites," he added.
While Tendulkar feels England would be another tough contender in the marquee event, he named New Zealand as the biggest dark horse for the tournament.
"It's all about getting the early momentum. My judgement on the toughest contenders would be England, while New Zealand would be the dark horse. I know New Zealand have struggled in this series but it's a good unit, one needs to be on their toes," he opined.
The batting maestro reckons Australia will be another dangerous team with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner. The tainted duo will be eligible to return in the international fold on March 29.
"I think Australia at full strength will be a formidable side. With Smith and David Warner back in the team and their other bowlers coming back into the ODI squad, it will be a competitive side," Tendulkar concluded.
The World Cup starts on May 30 with South Africa taking on hosts England, while the two-time World champions India begin their campaign on June 5 against the Proteas at Southampton.
(With PTI inputs)