Mumbai: High-flying India crashed to a stunning 2-3 defeat against Australia at home in the bilateral ODI series and the setback should act as a warning sign for Virat Kohli and his men going into the upcoming World Cup as one of the favourites, feels former captain Rahul Dravid.
India led 2-0 in the five-match series, but lost the last three to the reigning World Cup champions to lose an ODI series after a lengthy gap.
These games are the last of the 50-over competition for India going into the World Cup commencing May 30 in England.
“I think there was a bit of notion that we are going walk there and win the World Cup easily. So it’s a good thing that has happened. What it has (the outcome against Australia) reminded us is that we have to play the World Cup very, very well,” said Dravid.
“In a way I think it’s a good balancing factor. India has performed well in the last couple of years. There was a little bit of talk that we are almost going to walk in there and win the World Cup very easily because we are the No. 1 team and we have been dominating one-day cricket for the last couple of years,” said India’s current under 19 and A team coach.
“But I don’t find anything strange from my perspective watching the series. I still feel that we are going to be one of the favourites. But it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be competitive,” the cricket stalwart insisted.
PTI
