12 February,2011 09:45 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
That's the kind of message Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli send out to Bangladesh, who they take on in the world cup opener on February 19
Four premier India batsmen -- Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag addressed the media in an open session here at the team hotel yesterday. They spoke at length about India's chances in the forthcoming World Cup, the ghost of West Indies 2007, the precarious opening fixture against giantkillers Bangladesh, and a lot more. Excerpts from what MiD DAY heard:
Right: Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates after beating India while
a dejected Munaf Patel walks away during the 2007 World Cup at Port of
Spain, Trinidad. Pic/AFP
Lessons from 2007 World Cup ufffd
Virender Sehwag: I have already erased that memory from my mind. Life moves on.
Yuvraj Singh: The thoughts of 2007 are still very fresh. We want to prepare particularly well for the first game since it is Bangladesh once again. We are really charged up to settle scores for the last World
Cup (loss).
Suresh Raina: I actually have no memories because we didn't even qualify for the Super League. The biggest lesson was that we can't underestimate small teams. We need to play Bangladesh with the same intensity and body language which we would have for a bigger
opponent.
Virat Kohli: It was not a good sight to watch on television. We had a really strong team and I had high expectations, just like any other Indian cricket fan. Seeing them so disappointed really hurt me. It was a World Cup to forget. Getting onto the field and playing a lot more cricket was the solution.
Bangladesh, a dangerous foe ufffd
Sehwag: If my memory serves me right, we have lost only two games to them in our one-day history. Our record against them is really good. Ever since 2007, we have been waiting for this moment. We are extra motivated to beat them and avenge the defeat in the WI. Definitely, the team is pumped up for Bangladesh.
Yuvraj: What happened in 2007 can never be forgotten easily. The only way we can get over it, is by beating them this time. It's important to start the World Cup on a high.
Raina: Cricket is a funny game, any team can win on a particular day. It's important to start a big tournament with a win. Hopefully, we can do that against Bangladesh.
Kohli: Any team would make a big mistake by taking them lightly. They are a top side especially at home. We need to treat them the same way we would treat any other side.
World Cup role ufffd
Sehwag: Nobody's telling me what to do. That's the good part about Team India's management. The captain and coach tell me, 'If you score runs, we are happy. If you don't, it's okay.' I just look to enjoy myself. I need to give a good start to the team. As long as I am scoring more than zero, I am happy.
Yuvraj: My primary role is to bat through the middle overs and provide a good launching pad to the hitters down the order. I need to assess the situation, need to get partnerships. There will be times when we have to chase at more than six runs an over. Sometimes need to bat smartly. That's my key role.
Raina: I need to be able to bowl at least four or five overs per match, hopefully get a few wickets.
I have to make sure the part-time spinners bowl a good line and length. I can sense that a lot of runs will leak in the powerplay during the WC. I am always looking to contribute in some way. If I get an opportunity to bat low down the order, I will look to play according to the situation.
Kohli: Three of my hundreds have come while chasing targets. Like most batsmen, I am able to focus more under pressure. I have the ability to plan an innings if there is a set target. That works for me really well. We have trust and faith in all the batsmen.
Personal challenges ufffd
Sehwag: I didn't have a good tour of South Africa. I am eagerly waiting for the World Cup.
Yuvraj: I am not thinking about my lack of runs. One-day cricket is played over 100 overs, I am just looking to make a contribution.
Kohli: It is important to be involved in the game all the time, to beu00a0 around people you can learn from.
Raina: I have been playing really well, but didn't get runs in South Africa. I didn't have a good tour. But,u00a0 Gary is helping me. You will see the changes in my game at the World Cup. I have learnt from my mistakes.
