They may have gone through a rough patch in the run-up to the World Cup but Australia captain Michael Clarke today warned against writing off India's chances of defending the title in the upcoming quadrennial extravaganza beginning February 14.
The past few months have been difficult for India with the team failing to win a single international game Down Under. They were beaten 0-2 by Australia in the four-match Test series and could not make it to the finals of the ODI tri-series also involving England.
But Clarke sounded optimistic about the possibility of a comeback by India, the team having accustomed to the bouncy pitches in Australia.
"Look, I think M S Dhoni and the Indian team have always been successful, especially under his leadership," Clarke was quoted as saying by The Australian.
"I think he's done a fantastic job. He's a wonderful player and he's a match-winner,” he added.
Clarke said India under Dhoni has lifted them for the big occasions and boasts match-winners such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
"They're a wonderful team. He's a fantastic leader. They'll see this as a brand new tournament. I think they'll see it as a fresh start," Clarke said.
Clarke picked India as one of the toughest teams to beat.
"I have no doubt that India are going to be one of the toughest teams to beat, that's for sure. They've got a couple of games to prepare. They've got some extremely gifted players. So I think their time in Australia actually playing in the conditions will actually help them."
