The defending champions will begin their contest by taking on arch-nemesis Pakistan in their opening game of the tournament to be held in Adelaide on February 15, 2015. Surprisingly, India have never lost to Pakistan in their five World Cup clashes so far.
When questioned whether the ‘Men in Blue’ are geared up to defend their 50-over World Cup title, Dhoni said: “I’m keenly looking forward to the tournament and confident that we’ll do well. Our recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 has provided the team with a lot of confidence, and I am sure this experience will help us in our preparations for the World Cup in 2015.”
The fixtures of the 2015 World Cup has drawn India, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Qualifier 4 into Pool B while Australia and England will battle it out in Pool A along with co-hosts New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and two other qualifier teams.
Following their World Cup win in 2011, team India under the captaincy of Dhoni, have gone on to whitewash Australia in the four match Test series played at home before winning the Champions Trophy and clinching the Celkon Cup in the recently concluded tri-nations cup played in the West Indies.
Dhoni hopes the momentum lasts until the World Cup in 2015. “The World Cup is a very special event for every cricketer because it only takes place every four years. Having tasted success in Mumbai in 2011, we’ll be working very hard to retain it,” he said.
0 votes
