Self-belief is key to winning again: Lalchand Rajput

Virat Kohli & Co should easily make it to the Top Four in the ICC T20 World Cup, but thereafter they need to have the self-belief that they can win this title again, insists Lalchand Rajput, India's 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team manager. And former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's presence in the dressing room will be highly beneficial, according to Rajput, who is currently the head coach of Zimbabwe.

"India have a very strong team and should be in the Top Four. But thereafter, we have to back ourselves with the self-belief that we can do it again. The team's think-tank must keep it simple and not complicate things. In T20 cricket, you cannot predict a clear champion because one batsman or one bowler can win you a game," Rajput told mid-day on Thursday.

Lalchand Rajput

Dhoni led India's young brigade to the inaugural T20 World Cup, beating Pakistan by five runs in a thrilling final at Johannesburg, South Africa, 14 years ago. And now, as Dhoni returns to Team India's dressing room for the first time since his retirement, in his role as mentor, Rajput felt his experience and calm nature will benefit the players.

MSD will keep them calm

"Dhoni always keeps things simple, so the players can perform better. He will have a calming effect on the players. He will be backing the players, always making things easy and helping them perform without taking any pressure," said Rajput, 59, a former Mumbai captain, who played two Tests and four ODIs for the country.
Rajput had some special advice for Team India's Mumbai batter, Suryakumar Yadav, who enjoys playing innovative shots.

"Surya should play normal cricketing shots. He should not try something different just because it is a World Cup; should not take extra pressure. He is capable of putting pressure on the opponent team with his batting abilities. Initially, he should concentrate on playing normal cricketing shots and avoid risks, unless there is a need to chase a big target. Once he reaches 20-30 runs, he can then go for his innovative shots," said Rajput.

Extra bowler needed

India begin their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai, and Rajput pointed out a few worries in the bowling department. "If Hardik Pandya doesn't bowl, then you have to take an extra bowler. Shardul Thakur will definitely bowl well, but batting-wise Hardik is much ahead of him," said Rajput, who backed experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to make a difference and preferred mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy over leggie Rahul Chahar in the playing XI. "I'd prefer Varun over Rahul in the playing XI because of his variety and accuracy," said Rajput.