Kapil backs India to defend Champions Trophy title

AFP, NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Kapil Dev is backing India to win a new Champions Trophy title next month, saying the team has the ability to go the distance in the 50-over tournament.
India, who beat hosts England in the 2013 final, have retained eight players from that successful campaign including skipper Virat Kohli.
Senior players like former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who lifted the trophy at Edgbaston, and premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feature in the 15-man Indian squad to go to England and Wales. India edged past England 2-1 during their one-day international series in January, with the players continuing their good showing in Tests and Twenty20 matches.
“The way they are playing, yes, definitely...I believe we have the team and the ability,” Kapil said of India's chances of defending their title in the tournament starting June 1.
As long as India stay clear of injuries “I don't see any reason why we can't win the event,” Kapil said.
“I know the opposition is very very tough in England. The good part is that we won last time when we played there and that is an advantage,” Kapil told reporters at the unveiling of a wax work figure of himself in New Delhi.
The legendary all-rounder also billed India as favourites in their much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4 in Birmingham, saying they “look much better on paper”.

Kapil backs India to defend Champions Trophy title

AFP, NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Kapil Dev is backing India to win a new Champions Trophy title next month, saying the team has the ability to go the distance in the 50-over tournament. India, who beat hosts England in the 2013 final, have retained eight players from that successful campaign including skipper Virat Kohli. Senior players like former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who lifted the trophy at Edgbaston, and premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feature in the 15-man Indian squad to go to England and Wales. India edged past England 2-1 during their one-day international series in January, with the players continuing their good showing in Tests and Twenty20 matches. The way they are playing, yes, definitely...I believe we have the team and the ability, Kapil said of Indias chances of defending their title in the tournament starting June 1. As long as India stay clear of injuries I dont see any reason why we cant win the event, Kapil said. I know the opposition is very very tough in England. The good part is that we won last time when we played there and that is an advantage, Kapil told reporters at the unveiling of a wax work figure of himself in New Delhi. The legendary all-rounder also billed India as favourites in their much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4 in Birmingham, saying they look much better on paper.