Kepler Wessels affirms India as tough competition in the 2019 World Cup

The Indian cricket team has been impressive in the past one year, especially in the limited-overs format where they have consistently humbled oppositions. In the ongoing One-Day International series against South Africa, they have managed to beat the hosts in the first three games to take an unassailable lead. However, they slumped to their maiden defeat in the previous game in Johannesburg.

However, despite the loss, Kepler Wessels, the former Proteas skipper, hailed India as a tough side to beat in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. The Men in Blue have just the right kind of combination in the mix right now which can be effective irrespective of the pitch and conditions. Though they still have questions to answer, Virat Kohli & Co. look pretty much on course for Mission 2019.

“I wouldn’t say favourites, but they (India) will be very competitive. Barring injuries to key players, it’s looking good for them. They will be difficult to beat,” Wessels was quoted as saying in a recent interaction with the media.

He also emphasized India’s combination and praised the wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. “I think that they’ve got a totally different team, a totally different arsenal. They have introduced the two leg-spinners which has totally confused the SA set-up. I think that India’s One-Day team at the moment is very good,” he added.

India- Impressive in ODIs and T20Is

India have had a tremendous run in the limited-over formats as their players have stitched together collective performances. While the batting lineup has the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan who have been exceptional in coloured clothing. Their bowling has also grown leaps and bounds, especially after the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah, Chahal and Yadav.

Subsequently, India have been clinical both at home and abroad. The World Cup is still a year away and they have a settled team in their armoury.