Former India Captain "The Wall" Rahul Dravid has said that India is a better balanced side than Sri Lanka and would be favorites to win the World Cup. In an interview to CNN IBN, Dravid had some piece of advice for the players who are playing the World Cup final for the first time.
"I think, from my own experince in a world cup final, obviously there would be huge hype and you would be just one step away from acheiving what would you set out to acheive (winning the world cup), but in the end of the day it is just another game of cricket with same rules. So players should forget about the hype and enjoy the game". - said Dravid.
Speaking about the teams Dravid felt India are much balanced and all-round side than Sri Lanka. The home factor of playing with over 30,000 people cheering for the home side would be a factor too. Dravid also felt Lankans are very good team and should not be taken lightly. However he believed if India would play up-to their ability then definitely India would be victorious.
"It is a big thing that India played two tough games in the quarters and the semi-finals. I don't say England and New Zealand (Sri Lanka's opponents in their quarter-final and semi-final, respectively) were weak but India played two tough matches and that will hold them in good stead" - he added.
Dravid pointed out that Sachin not making a century in the semis has worked out phenomenally, so that Sachin can get the 100th century in his hometown Mumbai and India winning the world cup.
Also see :
"People who love you so much can criticise you as well. It's not a big deal" : Afridi
World Cup Finals - Match Officials and Pitch Report / Ashish Nehra doubtful
Pakistan government gifts the Semi final to India to improve relationships?
2011 World Cup Final : Murali and Mathews doubtful , Vaas on standby
Pakistani Media slams but Cricket Greats come to aid of Afridi's men
Indian team arrives to Mumbai / Ready for the finals - Dhoni / Five lives! God has been kind to me - Sachin
Team India repeats the history in worldcup 2011 by defeating Pakistan by 29 runs
HIGHLIGHTS : India knocks Pakistan out of the World Cup in 2nd semi finals
It might end up being India v/s Sri Lanka final with India being World Champs - Ricky Ponting.
"I think, from my own experince in a world cup final, obviously there would be huge hype and you would be just one step away from acheiving what would you set out to acheive (winning the world cup), but in the end of the day it is just another game of cricket with same rules. So players should forget about the hype and enjoy the game". - said Dravid.
Speaking about the teams Dravid felt India are much balanced and all-round side than Sri Lanka. The home factor of playing with over 30,000 people cheering for the home side would be a factor too. Dravid also felt Lankans are very good team and should not be taken lightly. However he believed if India would play up-to their ability then definitely India would be victorious.
"It is a big thing that India played two tough games in the quarters and the semi-finals. I don't say England and New Zealand (Sri Lanka's opponents in their quarter-final and semi-final, respectively) were weak but India played two tough matches and that will hold them in good stead" - he added.
Dravid pointed out that Sachin not making a century in the semis has worked out phenomenally, so that Sachin can get the 100th century in his hometown Mumbai and India winning the world cup.
Also see :
"People who love you so much can criticise you as well. It's not a big deal" : Afridi
World Cup Finals - Match Officials and Pitch Report / Ashish Nehra doubtful
Pakistan government gifts the Semi final to India to improve relationships?
2011 World Cup Final : Murali and Mathews doubtful , Vaas on standby
Pakistani Media slams but Cricket Greats come to aid of Afridi's men
Indian team arrives to Mumbai / Ready for the finals - Dhoni / Five lives! God has been kind to me - Sachin
Team India repeats the history in worldcup 2011 by defeating Pakistan by 29 runs
HIGHLIGHTS : India knocks Pakistan out of the World Cup in 2nd semi finals
It might end up being India v/s Sri Lanka final with India being World Champs - Ricky Ponting.
