Gaekwad joins chorus for another 'keeper in team

Former coach Anshuman Gaekwad feels India should have included another specialised wicketkeeper besides skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the World Cup squad for the forthcoming mega-event.

"The squad for the World Cup should have included second wicket keeper because it is a specialised job and no other member of the team could become wicket keeper by wearing gloves and stand behind the wicket," Gaekwad said.

"There is no (Rahul) Dravid in the team who can do this job. However, the selectors must have discussed it before making final announcement of the squad," Gaekwad added.

The former Indian Test cricketer expressed concern over the fitness of the players and said the team need to remain injury free during the tournament.

Gaekwad, who coached Team India during the 1996 World Cup, believes India has a well-knit team and favourable weather conditions in sub-continent pitches will prove advantages for Dhoni's men.

"Change in the weather has started taking place and is likely to be hot and getting more dry during the world Cup matches to be played from February 19th to April 2nd which will favour Indian team to do well as sub continent pitches would be of great advantage to India," Gaekwad said.

"This Indian team is capable of ending 28 years old jinx as it has good batsmen, bowlers and all rounders which has been performing well for more than last one year just before the starting of the world cup tourney.

"The high expectations from fans and people from across the country have been putting pressure on the members of the team who are capable to cope with it and do well as they are all professional players," he added.

Gaekwad said it would be a very important tournament for Sachin Tendulkar as the World Cup trophy is the only title missing in his resume.

"For Sachin Tendulkar it is going to be very interesting as he wants to be a part of world cup winning team. Only this trophy has eluded him playing five successive world cup matches playing earlier. Sachin is very experienced player and so he knows how to handle pressure," he said.

The 58-year-old former cricketer feels it would be the best chance for India to win the coveted title.

"We have bright chance and probably best opportunity in winning this coveted trophy. They have the potential and talent to lift the trophy.

"The team has been performing consistently over the last year and a half. There will be pressure but they are professional players and they know how to handle pressure," Gaekwad said.