Atul Wassan on India’s WC chances: We are not the hot favourites

While India reigned supreme at the Premadasa on Sunday, humbling defending champions Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to lift their 8th Asia Cup, ex-international cricketer Atul Wassan said the ‘Men in Blue’ are not the “hot favourites” going into the ODI World Cup next month.

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Atul Wassan told ANI –

“We are ready for the World Cup. The Indian fans believe that they are the hot favourites to lift the trophy this year. However, if our team goes into the tournament as the favourite and suffers an early exit, the fans will be left heartbroken as they have been over the last 13 years.

Wassan added – “Hence, I believe it is best to temper our expectations while being cautiously optimistic about our chances.

“I think we are not the hot favourites. Much of our chances in the tournament would depend on how we go from here (Asia Cup success) and the kind of pitches we play on.

Wassan further added –

“I would personally endorse Rahul Dravid‘s thinking that bowlers, mostly suited to the Test format, will also do well in ODIs as the new ball swings and seams in the early overs.

“And a team needs to go in with attacking bowlers who can get early breakthroughs. You can’t have attacking bowlers in ODIs operating on defensive lines and lengths and trying to save runs. It’s wickets that win you matches.