Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist feels India should ask Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni to spend time with the team ahead of the all-important World Cup. Tendulkar and Dhoni savored great success in their respective careers and they can share their experience with the current team.
India hosted the 2011 World Cup and went on to win under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. It was Tendulkar’s first World Cup title, the one he always wanted in his glorious career.
In fact, Dhoni had joined the team as a mentor in the 2021 World Cup but the team could not reach the semifinals after losses against Pakistan and New Zealand.
“I can’t claim to know what it is like to be an Indian player, playing in India. It’s always intriguing. If I would be in the Indian hierarchy, I would be tapping into guys like Sachin and MS to come in and spend time with the group if they are available, and pass on all their experience,” said Gilchrist on Sportstar.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was young in his career when India lifted the 2011 World Cup. Gilchrist reckons the talisman should make the most of that experience and guide the young players on the right track.
“Virat, obviously, was part of that team without being a feature member of the team at that time. I would be drawing on that experience of playing a home World Cup and try to find out how they did it. If you can keep that external noise quiet, it allows you to play your best cricket,” Gilchrist added.
The former Australian opener added Australia and India will be vying for the World Cup title. Australia is the most successful team in World Cup history with five titles whereas India has on two occasions.
“The venues and the conditions created will play a significant part in how strong a preparation this is for Australia and India. Generally looking at various other nations and what they are doing, I can’t think of a better preparation than what Australia and India have. They are the two teams that will be definitely vying for the title,” said Gilchrist.
India and Australia will kick off their World Cup preparation in the first ODI at Mohali on Friday.
