World Cup 2019: Kapil Dev feels India will finish in top 4; also reveals the surprise package

Former India captain Kapil Dev has put his money on the Indian team to make it into the semi-final of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019, to be played in England and Wales from May 30. Kapil, who also coached the Indian team for a brief time in the 2000s, also believed that the Virat Kohli-led team has a good combination in hand and in fact seems to have all bases covered.

The Indian team starts its campaign on June 5 against South Africa in the 11th game of the tournament. He believes the two heavyweights in the team Kohli and MS Dhoni definitely give them an edge but at the same time, the problem of an uncertain No.4 batsman can make things tricky for the Men in Blue.

Kapil Dev also names the surprise package

“The team has a great combination of youth and experience. In my opinion, they have the right balance and of course, there is Dhoni and Kohli. India will definitely be in the top 4. But that is where it gets tricky. They have a good team but belief and performance will be key,” Kapil was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

The format of the tournament this time is such that all teams play each other and thus the most consistent sides go through as the top four. Apart from India, Kapil backs hosts England and defending champions Australia the two others team that have been in really good form of late to make it to the top 3. He also expects a tougher contest for the remaining slot between at least three teams.

“The top three teams in the league stage will be India, England, and Australia. The fourth one is doubtful as I expect a group of teams to fight for it. Can be between New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. In my view New Zealand or West Indies could be the surprise packages of this tournament,” Kapil was quoted as saying further.

Though most expect the Indian team to finish among the top four and even lift the trophy, it will be interesting to see how they deal with the challenges in England and perform when under the pump.

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