ICC World Cup 2019: India need another quality pacer in their squad, says Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir’s fate as a first time contestant for a seat in the Lok Sabha has been sealed as polling took place in the national capital on May 12. The former India opener now awaits the results of the election and also has a bit more time on hand to think about his first love, cricket.

Gambhir, while giving the keynote address at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards 2019, said that the Indian squad for the ICC World Cup lacks another genuine fast bowler.

“I feel Indian team lacks one more quality fast bowler. Bumrah, Shami and Bhuvi need more support. You may argue that India has two fast bowling all-rounders in Hardik and Vijay Shankar but I am not convinced. In the end it boils down to getting the team combination right and sticking to it,” the 2011 ICC World Cup winner said.

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Gambhir, who top scored for India in the 2007 ICC WT20 final and the 2011 ICC World Cup final, said that the format for the 2019 competition will produce the true world champion. 

“This will be a well contested tournament as all the teams play each other. This format will give us the real world champion and I think ICC should stick to this format for all future World Cups.”

Talking about the teams to watch out for in the tournament, the southpaw took the names of Australia, England and New Zealand along with India.

“Besides India I will be keenly watching Australia as they are a side to beat. They have most well rounded bowling attack in the competition. I will also be watching New Zealnd and hosts England.”