Sandhu: Sachin key for India's success

Sachin Tendulkar Picture

The form of Sachin Tendulkar will play a decisive role for India to lay their hands on the World Cup, feels former player Balwinder Singh Sandhu.

Sandhu, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning side, said the batting maestro will give away everything in the quadrennial tournament as it probably might be his last.

Sandhu said: "Tendulkar would be totally focusing on this World Cup. He is aware this might be his last chance to win the trophy as for the next edition he may be mentally fit but may not be physically there."

"He will give more than 100 percent and would be keen to perform well. He will also be a great inspiration for other players in the team."

"Tendulkar will also not allow the team to take things lightly, like Sunil Gavaskar did in 1983. His work ethics are amazing."

Sandhu also said the current lot led by skipper MS Dhoni is far superior in terms of talent and experience to the side that won the World Cup 28 years ago.

He said: "When it comes to talent, the current Indian team is way ahead of us. For example, in terms of ODI experience, a player like Tendulkar has alone played more matches than all of our team members put together."

"Then there are excellent players like Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan and Dhoni, who can single-handedly change the course of the game."

"During our time we had to study the rival batsmen by watching other matches where they played and form a strategy. Now these things are being done by the supporting staff with the help of the video analysis."

On being asked about his pick for the World Cup that begins from February 19, Sandhu said: "According to me Australia will be the dark horse in the tournament."

"They have won the ODI series against England and their player are well versed about Indian conditions thanks to IPL."