Jonny Bairstow speaks about India's chances in the World Cup 2019

For England batsman Jonny Bairstow, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 will be always special. This is the first time that the wicketkeeper-batsman is taking part in the tournament and he has already made the experience an evergreen one by smashing a century in just his third game.

Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, Bairstow scored 114 off just 56 balls and added 185 runs for the opening wicket with David Warner (100 not out) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He also affected a stumping in the game and went on to win the man of the match award as the SRH crushed RCB by 118 runs.

Bairstow, the first England batsman to score three consecutive hundreds in ODIs last year, recently spoke to Times of India in an exclusive interview in which he spoke over several issues, including the upcoming ICC World Cup in his home country.

Bairstow names his childhood idol

When the 29-year-old batsman was asked to name his idol during his formative years, Jonny Bairstow named the legendary Australian keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist who was as ruthless with his bat in his playing days.

The 29-year-old said that he was also looking forward to take part in the upcoming World Cup in his country. England’s first match in the tournament will be against South Africa at the Oval on May 30. England are being considered one of the strong favourites to win the trophy along with India that trails the Three Lions in the ICC’s rankings in the first two positions.

When Bairstow was asked about India’s chances in the World Cup under the leadership of Virat Kohli, against whose team he slammed the 114 in IPL 12, he said, “He (Virat) has got a fantastic side. India are so high up in the rankings. He has got people who can win the games. They will be one of the competitive sides in the World Cup. I wish them luck.”

Though England and India are being considered to be among the top favourites at the WC, neither of them have succeeded in winning their latest ODI series. While England drew the Windies 2-2 in an away game, India lot to Australia 2-3 in a home series despite leading 2-0.

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