MUMBAI, (Reuters) – India’s spin bowling all-rounders will be a big advantage in the Feb. 19-April 2 World Cup, former captain Rahul Dravid said.
There will be few surprises in the early stages of the showpiece event in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but the tournament will heat up in the quarter-finals, he told reporters at an awards function on Thursday.
“Everyone knows who are going to be the eight teams in the quarter-finals,” Dravid said. “The real World Cup will kick off after that.
“I would love to say India will win the Cup but every other team from the quarter-final stage will fancy their chances.”
India have a number of options in Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina who can bowl part-time spin, which can be crucial on subcontinent wickets known to favour slow bowlers.
“India are obviously one of the favourites. They have been playing very well for the last few years,” the 38-year old said.
“It’s a well-balanced side with a number of spinning all-rounders or part-time spinners, which gives India a big advantage.”
