Sachin Tendulkar would be crucial to India's success in the upcoming World Cup and the Mahendra Singh Dhoni led side was far ahead of the history making 'Kapil's Devils' in terms of talent and experience, feels member of the 1983 Cup winning side, Balwinder Singh Sandhu.
Sandhu said, apart from Tendulkar, the present Indian team has plenty of match winners in Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan and skipper Dhoni, who are capable of turning things around from a losing position.
"Tendulkar would be totally focusing on this World Cup. He knows this is his last World Cup as four years later he may be mentally fit but may not be physically there. He would give more than 100% and would be very keen to perform. The man is known to prepare well. His work ethics are superb. Others will get inspired by his presence," Sandhu told PTI in an interview.
"The guy (Tendulkar) will not allow the team to be complacent, like Sunil Gavaskar did in 1983. There are also brilliant players like Yuvraj, Yusuf and Dhoni who can bring the team back from a losing position," the 54 year old former pacer said.
Comparing the current team to the 1983 World Cup winning side, Sandhu said, "In our days we (bowlers) had to think on our feet, be good observers. We had to study the rival batsmen by watching other matches where they played and form a strategy. Now this is done by the support staff with the help of the video analysis and the players have to implement the strategy."
{{/usCountry}}Comparing the current team to the 1983 World Cup winning side, Sandhu said, "In our days we (bowlers) had to think on our feet, be good observers. We had to study the rival batsmen by watching other matches where they played and form a strategy. Now this is done by the support staff with the help of the video analysis and the players have to implement the strategy."
{{/usCountry}}"Talent wise today's team is way ahead. For example, in terms of ODI experience, a player like Sachin Tendulkar has alone played more matches than all of our team members put together."