India selection conservative: Sanga
Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara felt India’s selection for the ICC Champions Trophy was a bit conservative, but backed India as one of the favourites for the title alongside hosts England. In his column for the ICC, Sangakkara felt India are a strong contender to lift the Champions Trophy among the four Asian outfits. “Clearly India is the current pack-leaders. It won in 2013 and it has a team capable of winning this year too. In fact, the team is arguably stronger, better balanced with real firepower in its fast bowling,” he stated.
“Its spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are exceptional in ODI cricket and I am sure Virat Kohli is going to be desperate to bounce-back after a disappointing IPL. The only slight concern I have for India is that its selection was perhaps a little conservative, but it is still very strong,” said Sangakkara.
A REVELATION
Sangakkara felt there are many ‘realistic contenders’ to lift the Champions Trophy. “Its progress in the past two years has been a revelation. It used to trail behind other teams in terms of its strategy and approach, but now it is one of the most progressive teams,” he stated.
Sangakkara said Sri Lanka’s underdog status could help the team. “SL is one of the teams which has a proud tradition of performing well in major tournaments and it will be hoping this year to also punch above its weight.”
Clearly India is the current packleaders. It is capable of winning this year too. It is stronger, balanced with firepower in its fast bowling. KUMAR SANGAKKARA