Kapil Dev, under whom India won their only World Cup in 1983, is sure that his country has a good chance of claiming the title this time.

“India have match-winning players in their side,” Kapil told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Dubai on Thursday. With the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohi and Yusuf Pathan, Indians do have a formidable batting line-up, but their bowling seems to be a big concern.

“Their bowling is a bit weak, but batting is so strong. I am not saying this because I am an Indian but I feel this is the strongest batting lineup we have ever seen in world cricket. I would like to see them play well…play to their ability. They have a few weak points, but when you have every thing, then you are the champion.”

Kapil, India’s greatest all-rounder ever, said teams like England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan could also come up with brilliant performances in the tournament.

“Three-four teams have more edge on other teams.

“England are coming up with a very good squad. I always have a lot of faith in Sri Lanka. Australia are not the same team that they used to be. South Africans showed that they have some bowlers who could run through a side. And one unpredictable team is Pakistan. They can upset anybody,” the former Indian captain added.

Regarding the timing of India’s recently-concluded South African series, Kapil said: “I think now it is too late to talk about that. I hope the series in South Africa would have benefitted the Indian team.

“I am not a person to talk about the negatives, but the board should have thought about it long back before they had agreed to this series. Now it is over. So I would like to take more positives from the tour. Yousuf Pathan did extremely well and I was also impressed with some of the bowlers. I think the boys played extremely well.”

Asked about Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s chances of emulating his World Cup success, Kapil said. “Why not? He is a fine cricketer and a fantastic captain. I wish him all the luck. I hope he can achieve everything.”

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com