India captain MS Dhoni says there’s no magic behind his team’s stunning World Cup form – just better decision making.
A winless Test and one-day tour of Australia had left India looking vulnerable entering their World Cup title defence.
But powerful wins over Pakistan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates have propelled India back among the favourites for the 50-over showpiece event.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan has bounced back to form in dramatic fashion; Virat Kohli is averaging 93, while spinner Ravi Ashwin has snared eight wickets in three matches.
“There’s no real secret magic to it,” Dhoni said.
“Yes, we had a tough season so far since we have been in Australia. We were hampered by injury to a lot of extent.
“A lot of batsmen, they were not getting enough runs, and also it’s difficult to switch straight from Test cricket to ODI cricket.
“But what has improved is the consistency in bowling and the way we are picking our shots.
“That’s the crucial aspect, irrespective of which format you are playing.
“You pick your shots, you pick which bowler to target, which areas to hit, and the more good decisions you take, the better is the reflection in the scorecard – both in bowling and batting.”
India sit on top of Pool B, and they’ll be aiming to continue their hot form when they take on the struggling West Indies at the WACA Ground on Friday.
Paceman Mohammed Shami, who missed the nine-wicket win over the UAE because of a knee injury, is a chance to return against the West Indies.
India coach Duncan Fletcher, who flew to South Africa last week for a funeral, is also expected to be back on deck.
Elma Dudd
Guest
A cynical person might suggest that India were prepared to sacrifice a meaningless Tri series in order to secure much better odds for the World Cup . I am of course not a cynical person so the thought never crossed my mind.
Vish
Guest
India are peakin at the right moment. Their batting is clicking and their ground fielding s second only to New Zealand. Australia and SA have a lot of slouches in the field namely Finch Watson Mitch Marsh Bailey and Amla Morne Morkel Philander . India s fielding s very good and their quicks have good arms. India s a sure shot for d semis and from there on if one of their batsmen has a day they can tear apart any bowling attack
raz
Guest
If india can maintain this momentum through out,cant rule out a ct 2013 repeat. But at the moment nz ,aus and Sa all have a better chance,simply because the conditions should suit them better.