Sourav Ganguly rules out return of Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh for 2015 World Cup
New Delhi – Former captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said that the Indian cricket team's success in the 2015 World Cup will depend upon the performance of their batting match-winners like Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
"Traditionally, India always depend on their batsmen and this time it won't be any different. The current team comprises many match winners like Dhawan, Kohli and Dhoni, who can win matches on their own on any day," Ganguly said at Salaam Cricket, an Aaj Tak conclave, here.
The former skipper also ruled out any possible return for veterans Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh for the World Cup.
“It will be difficult for Sehwag and Yuvraj to play in this World Cup. Because World Cup is so near and Dhoni won’t make many changes in the side,” he said.
He praised the duo, who made debut under him. “They were great players, one of the best I have seen but time catches up with everyone and so is the case with Viru and Yuvi.”
The 2015 World Cup will be held co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from Feb 14 to Mar 29. India are the defending champions after defeating Sri Lanka in the 2011 edition final at home in Mumbai.
Ganguly, who led India to the 2003 World Cup final, added that the present crop of bowlers lack experience to thrive consistently Down Under.
"The pacers, though are good and talented, lack experience. I hope that the spinners will come into play at the World Cup," the former left handed opening batsman said.
"But the Indian team's success will revolve around their batsmen. They have proved it in the past everywhere that they are a very strong one-day side. It will be a huge task to defend the title and hopefully they will do well."
Meanwhile, former Pakistan skipper Aamer Sohail said that Dhoni's bowlers must look for wickets instead of choking the flow of runs.
"The key in Australia is to take wickets. When we won the 1992 World Cup, apart from having talented bowlers, we were a team which went with the mind set of taking wickets. That helped us pressurise other teams," said Sohail.
"In the upcoming World Cup, Dhoni must ask his bowlers to pick wickets. The pitches there will suit everyone. The spinners should bowl with an attacking line."