“India would obviously be my favourite team in the next World Cup”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

India left-arm pace bowler Irfan Pathan has announced that the national selectors’ decision to drop five senior players from the country’s preliminary World Cup “has to be respected”.

Those five players dropped are Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan.

“It was the selectors’ decision to drop the senior players from the World Cup probables list. It has to be respected,” Irfan said.

Pathan also had no hesitation in saying that he believes India will win the World Cup and retain their title as world champions.

“India would obviously be my favourite team in the next World Cup,” Pathan said. “Besides, South Africa, with good fast bowlers will have an advantage. I would love to see the final between India and South Africa.”

Pathan also pointed out that India will have an advantage heading into the World Cup since they will be spending “two-three months” in Australia.

“The Indian team will play cricket in Australia for next two-three months,” he said. “Our team will surely get the advantage of it. Players will become familiar and acclimatised with the conditions there and will get its advantage in the World Cup.”