Former Indian cricketer, Dilip Vengsarkar believes that Indian cricket team is all set to face England in the Test matches now. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Vengsarkar has opened up on various aspects relating to India's tour of England and how can India be victorious against England.
“There is no doubt that England and Australia will be very strong, especially on their home conditions but I feel Virat Kohli and company are ready for them because they have been playing excellent cricket. The fact they are on top in all formats of the game is a great sign and all the players are extremely fit too and hence they should do well.”
With only 11 months to go for 2019 World Cup, Vengsarkar believes India will be a true contender to win the title once again. He added “India is a young team except for one or two berths. We have an excellent system to Under-19 and India A teams to usher in talent.”
Vengsarkar who was Indian chief selector for a period of two years feels Kohli who failed against England on their tour in 2014 will bounce back stronger in their upcoming Test series against England, Vengsarkar said “Kohli would have worked on the factors that made him fail during the 2014 tour because he takes pride in his performance. He should spend more time in the middle. Not only Kohli, but all other batsmen too should adapt to conditions quickly.”
Dilip Vengsarkar who had a tremendous record in England also spoke about what things does it take to win against England in their own home turf, he said “In England, the ball moves most of the time. So you have to concentrate very hard. It is important to spend time in the middle.”
While praising the Indian wrist spinners ahead of the ODIs against England, the former cricketer added “England batsmen are susceptible to spin bowling, especially wrist spinners. The history of English cricket reveals it. Moreover, England is an ageing team - their pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad are ageing as well and hence their young guys will have to do well. This is the best chance to beat them because we are playing five Test matches. If India can do well in the One day series before the Tests that can give them the momentum.”
He also hailed the recent form of KL Rahul and thinks to call Cheteshwar Pujara for Afghanistan's one-off Test match was not necessary. He said “India could have played someone else in place of Pujara who is in groove in England. Let us hope he does well on return."
“I feel happy that I could give opportunity to young cricketers but every selector, I believe, should have a vision and courage of conviction. The vision to spot talent and also understand whether a player is ready now or whether he will be ready only after a year, is important. This vision can come only if you have played international matches and not by just playing first-class matches.
“A selector should have the experience of having played in Australia, England and West Indies and know about the conditions and wickets there. Only then will he be able to pick the players who would suite those conditions.”
