Sabkush Sports :Asia Cup doesn’t guarantee World Cup

Sabkush Sports :Asia Cup doesn’t guarantee World CupAsia Cup doesn’t guarantee World Cup

India broke a 15-year jinx when they lifted the glittering trophy in Dambulla on Thursday night, barely eight months ahead of the World Cup. After a disastrous ICC World Twenty20 campaign, the Asia Cup glory would have no doubt lifted the morale in the Blue squad but celebrations are not in order yet - or so believes Kirmani. “Just because we have won the Asia Cup does not guarantee us the World Cup. It is still some time away. Yes, we played well in Dambulla and the World Cup will be played in the subcontinent too. “But it all depends on the time and the pitches during the season. We have an experienced team but then any side can go into a bad patch. Hopefully, the selectors will formulate the best possible squad and hopefully all of them can perform well. You also need Lady Luck to be on your side.” Kirmani, one of India’s most respected cricketers and perhaps the best wicketkeeper to have played the game from the country, said the team needs everything to click together and that was what happened in the Asia Cup, after a disappointing run. “We fared badly on the bouncy pitches in the West Indies during the ICC World Twenty20 but then the players put it behind them. Every team forgets what has gone by and India too, did that. “The focus should be on winning every match and tournament that the team plays.” Under severe fire from the media and certain former cricketers for their lacklustre performance in the World T20, MS Dhoni’s men had found support in Kirmani, who said the media had created a lot of hype. “There was nothing to be concerned with at all. It is the media that creates all this hype and pressure around the team. “Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and you can’t expect India – or for that matter anybody to perform consistently at the highest level. I have been a cricketer and I know what it takes to succeed in the international domain. “It all depends on how you play on the particular day.” The selectors’ move to rest Yuvraj Singh for the Asia Cup may have raised some eyebrows – what with the event branded as a perfect build-up to the World Cup - but Kirmani believed the wise men took the right call. “Yuvraj is a great young talent but he did not perform for 19 consecutive games and it was right to drop him. I hope he comes back strong after this because he is extremely exciting to watch when on song.” Kirmani was, however, not surprised by the accusations of indiscipline during the World T20, saying the younger players are just not well groomed. “There is no proper grooming at the highest level and the players are not disciplined enough. They don’t respect former cricketers and all the media attention is getting to their head.” It is a long road ahead to the World Cup and like Kirmani said, the Asia Cup is not a harbinger of things to come - the players need to work on a lot of aspects - discipline, fitness, consistency and a strict need to respect the game.