Kolkata: The Indian team were victorious in their last outing in the Champions Trophy four years back. Things haven’t changed much but this time around they will be led by a new skipper in the form of the 28-year-old Virat Kohli.
The class batsman did not have a great IPL with his team-the Royal Challengers Bangalore and many have criticised him for his team’s dismal performance in the tournament. But Australian legend Mike Hussey believes that it would be no less than a big mistake to write off the star batsman in the Champions Trophy.
“He is a class player and anyone who wants to write him off in this tournament will probably have to eat humble pie,” the classy left hander told said to news agency PTI.
“You can’t keep a gun player down for long and I am sure he will be very determined to play well in England and show the world his class again” he further added.
The former Australian middle order batsman said that the form of the batsmen wouldn’t have much of a say in how the tournament progresses. He said, “I don’t think it will have much effect at all. It is a new tournament in a different country, different team and different conditions. It’s all about starting well, getting some momentum and confidence going early in the tournament.”
While speaking on the English playing conditions, he said, “I feel from a batting point of view, you need to wait for the ball more and play as late as possible. In Australian conditions, as the pitches are generally true and you can go at the ball and hit through the line.”
He also said the spinners would have a very important role to play in Birmingham, Cardiff and at the Oval. “It is hard for me to say when I haven’t looked at the pitches, but if they are dry, then I definitely think the spinners will play a role in the tournament” he said.
A veteran of 185 ODI’s for Australia, Hussey believes that Smith’s men have a strong chance of winning the tournament but at the same time, he said that no team can afford to let any slip ups happen as the competition would be very intense.
“I think Australia has a great chance. The team looks strong but it is a very tough competition to win as all the teams are very good and you can’t really afford any slip-ups along the way. If the team starts well and gets their confidence up, then they will be hard to stop.”
He was however very pleased with the performance of Aussie skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner in the IPL.
“But they always seem to be in good form! They are both crucial to Australia’s chances, they always are. It is good that they have been playing cricket and are in good form leading into the tournament” the West Australian added.
He felt that hosts England could play out the finals against Australia making the clash a limited overs’ version of the epic ‘Ashes rivalry’. He however didn’t write off the chances of an India-Australia final. “Of course it can happen, if India can get through to the final! Just teasing you,” signed off the Aussie great.
(With inputs from PTI)