India begin their World Cup campaign against a weakened South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.
However, captain Virat Kohli during the pre-match media conference, said that the Proteas can’t be taken lightly though they are missing some of their key players.
Excerpts
On India’s approach against South Africa
Look, injuries are a part of the game and these things can’t be predicted, and I’m sure any team that gets hit with injuries is never in a good place. Still, South Africa are a very talented, a very dangerous side on their day and even with the replacements, they will be a very strong side. So, we never take anyone lightly. Whether a few key players get injured or not, if a youngster is stepping in with the right mindset, he can certainly perform on the day. We need to maintain our respect and approach the game focusing on our strengths and what we can do as a side.
On if starting late would help India analyse other teams better
It is a bit of an advantage in terms of understanding how the games have gone, the conditions on offer and what the overcast conditions bring into play when the sun is out. It’s a totally different ball game if you look at the conditions at 10.30 in the morning (local time) compared to that in the afternoon. You also get to see the pace of play when other teams are playing and what their approach is. So, from that point of view, we have a lot to absorb. We have a lot to learn from, looking at how the other teams play, the teams that have done well and what they have done well and in what phases…
On his first World Cup as captain
It is a matter of great pride for me, honestly. Playing the 2015 World Cup, I never imagined this day because a World Cup is too far off, to think of or predict anything. So, I’m just feeling grateful that I’m in this position to have the opportunity to lead my country in a tournament like the World Cup. It’s always going to be a time to remember and a very special feeling, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It is a different kind of responsibility.
On whether this is his toughest test as captain
Looking at the length of the tournament and its format, yes, it will be tough for any captain, including myself. It’s a long tournament. You are playing every side once and you have to think on your feet and adapt very quickly. You are not playing a team twice where you can play them once and plan again and come back and play them again. So, you have to be precise.
On the right combination given the 10.30 am (local time) start
We know it’s a different situation in England when there is cloud cover and when the is sun out. With two new balls, if the pitch has something to offer, then an extra seamer comes into play big time. But even on a good pitch, on a batting-friendly pitch with two new balls, I foresee the first 10 overs to be challenging if there is cloud cover. That’s because we are playing in England and the ball does a bit more than any other place in the world. So, I think it will definitely be challenging, starting at 10.30 in the morning for the batsmen and that is something that we have discussed and recognised how to go about…
On who between Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja may get the nod
Look, we selected a side that gives us all kinds of options depending upon the conditions we are going to play in. Somewhere you might see three seamers, somewhere two wrist spinners, somewhere you might see a wrist-spinner and a finger-spinner playing together. That is why we selected the most balanced side and Kedar is doing well. He is back to full fitness. Jadeja has been outstanding as well. So, we have all our options covered and I think we are equipped to handle all kinds of conditions here.
