NEW DELHI: India last lifted the ODI World Cup trophy at home in 2011. Now, after a span of 12 years, will the Indian fans get to witness history repeating again on home soil? Former India coach Greg Chappell believes it is quite possible as home advantage makes India a huge favourite but at the same time he suggested to be cautious and should not be heartbroken if things don’t go your way.
“Home advantage makes a huge difference and I am very sure India will start favourites on home soil. When I was coach of India one thing I observed was that the Indians are very comfortable in dealing with any challenges thrown at them by any opposition at home,” Greg Chappell while speaking on RevSportz as part of the World Cup edition of the Backstage With Boria said.
“It was evident to me sitting inside the Indian change room and looking out. It has not changed and this Indian team under Rohit and Rahul is a very good one. I think they have a good chance in home conditions. Having said that, winning these tournaments is never easy.
So I would urge caution if you are an Indian fan. Be cautiously optimistic. While India will have a very good chance, if things don’t go your way you should not be heartbroken for it can happen in sport. Some of the other teams like Australia and England are very good teams and with the IPL, the aura of the conditions have been somewhat demystified over time,” he added.
Chappell also said that he expects Shubman Gill to score a lot of runs in the World Cup. “I think he will be fine and will score a lot of runs. What I had seen as a weakness in him was far more relevant for red ball cricket and in conditions where the ball moves around. Like it was the case during the WTC final at the Oval. In India he should be fine.”
“Home advantage makes a huge difference and I am very sure India will start favourites on home soil. When I was coach of India one thing I observed was that the Indians are very comfortable in dealing with any challenges thrown at them by any opposition at home,” Greg Chappell while speaking on RevSportz as part of the World Cup edition of the Backstage With Boria said.
“It was evident to me sitting inside the Indian change room and looking out. It has not changed and this Indian team under Rohit and Rahul is a very good one. I think they have a good chance in home conditions. Having said that, winning these tournaments is never easy.
So I would urge caution if you are an Indian fan. Be cautiously optimistic. While India will have a very good chance, if things don’t go your way you should not be heartbroken for it can happen in sport. Some of the other teams like Australia and England are very good teams and with the IPL, the aura of the conditions have been somewhat demystified over time,” he added.
Chappell also said that he expects Shubman Gill to score a lot of runs in the World Cup. “I think he will be fine and will score a lot of runs. What I had seen as a weakness in him was far more relevant for red ball cricket and in conditions where the ball moves around. Like it was the case during the WTC final at the Oval. In India he should be fine.”
