India's not-so-impressive record Down Under might not place them as favourites to win the 2015 World Cup but former captains Bishan Singh Bedi and Dilip Vengsarkar have strong hopes of the Men in Blue defending the title.
"They have been playing well (in the ODIs) and I think they're quite capable of retaining the title but they just have to work doubly hard. It's World Cup after all, there would be five-six teams who will be fancying a title win," Bedi said.
Echoing the same opinion, Vengasarkar said India have a decent chance but with a word of caution he said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men should not take it easy.
"Obviously, they have a decent chance of retaining the title as they have the potential. The youngsters have been doing a pretty good job so far.
"But at the same time, I feel the top eight teams are quite capable of challenging India."
Asked about stand-in skipper Virat Kohli's captaincy as India have sealed the ongoing Lanka series with a 3-0 unbeatable lead, Vengsarkar said: "Kohli has really impressed me with his captaincy.
"In the three matches so far (against Sri Lanka), he has certainly done a fantastic job, am really happy for him."
'It is difficult to correct the bowling action as you go along'
BCCI flourished in Eden, but hijacked by Tamil Nadu: Bedi
Busted! 10 famous sports persons nailed for doping
Indian flavours soon in LinkedIn products
Cric Buzz: Bedi lauds Ojha and Rahul's good show in Duleep Trophy