World Cup 2019: Amol Muzumdar picks his semifinalists for the tournament

Former Mumbai cricketer and one of the legends of the Indian domestic circuit, Amol Muzumdar is currently working with the Rajasthan Royals as their batting coach. His record for most runs in Ranji Cricket was later overtaken by another domestic legend Wasim Jaffer but he still holds a pivotal place in Mumbai Cricket’s history.

Amol Muzumdar was attending an event at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, where he talked at length about Rajasthan Royals, the Indian Cricket team and some other aspects in an exclusive chat with CricTracker.

When asked to pick his four favourites to reach the semifinals of the World Cup, Muzumdar said, “England – Hot favourites, but they have to handle the pressure well. They have been performing well in bilateral series, but an ICC tournament is a different ball-game. It is pressure all throughout, you cannot falter and when you know you cannot falter, that’s where the pressure comes in.

Australia, Pakistan and India were his other three teams in the top four. Muzumdar pointed out the likes of Steve Smith and Warner coming back will help the Men in Yellow while also considered Pakistan’s record in England. As for India, he was confident that Virat Kohli’s men will definitely make it to the semi-finals.

“Australia – Purely because of the experience they have of playing in ICC tournaments. A couple of factors like Steve Smith and David Warner coming in and their history in the tournament just helps their cause.

“My third pick would be Pakistan – They historically play well in England. Two years back when they played in the Champions Trophy, no one gave them a hint of a chance, but they managed to win it. Historically they have the support in England and they have done well in that land. And of course, an ICC tournament semi-final without India is unimaginable,” he concluded.

“Enjoy England, the hype and the atmosphere” – Muzumdar to the Indian team

Amol Muzumdar also gave a message to the Indian side ahead of their visit to the home of cricket for the biggest challenge of their lives. He urged them to give their best and get the cup back, but also to enjoy the hype and atmosphere of a World Cup because it is second to none.

“I’d like to wish them all the very best. I met Sanjay Bangar (Indian batting coach) a few days ago in Mumbai and I wished him to get the cup back. But don’t put too much pressure on the players, they have to enjoy England, the moment, all the hype and atmosphere surrounding a World Cup is just second to none.

“Whatever is to happen, it will. They have to just enjoy themselves. That’s where Australia cracks it, they enjoy these surroundings, whether it’s in Windies, Australia or the subcontinent, they just enjoy and it naturally reflects on the results,” he said.

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