India favourites to win 2019 World Cup believes Stephen Fleming

Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming believes that Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team are strong contenders to lift the 2019 World Cup. However, he emphasized that this would be possible only if the team management kept players fresh, sharp and made sure that the team’s bench strength is as high as possible.

Fleming, who coaches the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, believes that the Indian pacers will be faced with some tricky conditions when playing in England. The left-hander particularly referred to the weather in England as the country is likely to have a hot summer during the World Cup. He, therefore, warned Team India of injuries and that the team should have its replacements in complete match fitness.

India need seam bowling: Fleming

Speaking to Mail Today, Fleming said, “They look like a strong side and might also be the favourites but it’s a hot English summer next year and it would really be injuries to Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) or (Jasprit) Bumrah that you need to be concerned about. So you need to develop the pace better and replacement players just in case. It will be summer in England and you might need some seam bowling.”

India are scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand before the 2019 World Cup gets underway. According to Fleming, it will be a great opportunity for the Men in Blue to get some valuable experience of playing in testing conditions. It will also be a chance for the players to get back into rhythm and perform to their highest potential.  Under such circumstances, Fleming believes India are favourites to once again lift the World Cup.

“I think you will have Virat Kohli back with the openers, MS Dhoni will rise for the big occasion. Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik are also there, so you have plenty of resources,” Fleming concluded. India last won the World Cup in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s leadership.

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