World Cup planning started after the 2017 Champions Trophy: MSK Prasad

India are the two-time champions of the World Cup, having got their hands on the coveted trophy in 1983 and 2011 respectively. However, they lost the last championship in 2015 after their semi-final defeat against Australia. This time around, they are the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) number two ranked ODI team and many reckon that they are one of the favourities to win the trophy.

The Men in Blue are currently playing a five-match ODI series against New Zealand following they will host Australia for a few more 50-overs matches. In the meantime, MSK Prasad, the chairman of the selection committee, mentioned that India had started planning for the World Cup since the 2017 Champions Trophy in England in order to eradicate the chinks in their armour.

“The planning started right after the finals of the Champions Trophy in 2017. We analysed our shortcomings after that game, and we started working to fulfil those shortcomings. We tried certain new combinations and I feel we have fairly succeeded in what we wanted,” Prasad was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz.

Hardik Pandya has an abundance of talent

Talking about the national team’s middle order, which is not yet settled, Prasad remarked: “I have confidence in this team that we can chase bigger totals. We have a good blend of experience and exuberance of youth who play that fearless brand of cricket.”

Moreover, he also put forth Hardik Pandya’s significance in the team and said that he needs to justify his potential. “Hardik Pandya definitely adds huge strength to the team’s balance. He brings in that additional strength to all three departments (batting, bowling and fielding). He has an abundance of talent, which he needs to realise and convert into match-winning performances,” Prasad added.

India, led by the enigmatic Virat Kohli, are scheduled to play their first match in the World Cup against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday, June 5.

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