Feb. 2: India have been reluctant to use the Umpire Decision Review System since their disastrous tour of Sri Lanka two years ago. By the end of that tour, the Anil Kumble-led side had got only one review right, while the hosts had successfully challenged 11 decisions.
While India have managed to keep their distance from UDRS since 2008, they’ll be forced to accept it at the World Cup since it’s an International Cricket Council event. But will the lack of familiarity with the technology hamper chances in any way? “We have done our background check although we have not used it (UDRS). It’s not that every team will be pleased with the system at the end of the day but we need to do our homework right,” said skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
He reckoned that UDRS notwithstanding India still have a couple of aces up their sleeves for the 50-over big bash. “Other teams may not like it but from our perspective it is great that there are lot of rest days between matches.
“Some of our players have got a few niggles and the gap will help them to recover,” Dhoni said.
“My main concern is the team’s fitness. If all players are fit, we’ll do well. It is a good format for us. It is a bit of relief from 2007. Here even if you lose a few games you have a chance to get into the quarterfinals.”
The 29-year-old wicketkeeper batsman said he would not make any promises, but believed in his side’s abilities. “I don’t want to make any predictions for the World Cup. I can only assure all that we will give our best,” he said.
“We believe in each others’ talents and we have a very good team. The environment in the dressing room is very good. And if we perform to our potential we have a very good chance of winning,” he said.