Johannesburg, Mar 02: Sri Lanka's World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga gave India the thumbs up today, saying they were peaking at the right time to have a go at the title. "I think India can go far, they are looking very good at the moment," said Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to their lone World Cup title in 1996.
Ranatunga was very impressed by India's six-wicket win over Pakistan at Centurion yesterday and said Sourav Ganguly's men looked the best bet from Asia to win the World Cup this time. "It would be great if an Asian team can win the tournament," said Ranatunga.
"I am not writing off Sri Lanka's chances, but India too could be there in a big way," he added. India last won the World Cup 20 years ago in 1983, but two of the last three tournaments have been won by Asian teams, Pakistan in 1992 and Sri Lanka in 1996.
Ranatunga, regarded as one of the shrewdest captains in the modern game, said he was very impressed with Indian skipper Ganguly saying, "Ganguly is good for India," he said. "I would not say he is the best captain going but I admire his arrogance and the way he handles his players. I cannot understand why people have a go at him. He takes the blame when things don't go right," Ranatunga said.
Bureau Report