Prior to the T20 World Cup 2024, legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has issued a warning to India and head coach Rahul Dravid. Lara has stated that India need to develop a strategy for the competition rather than depending too heavily on its star players. Since winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, India have not won the trophy yet.
“When you have a team full of superstars, you may lose sight of the plan and think that the players can carry it through. All they need to do is show up. As a coach, you could occasionally feel reluctant to tell Virat Kohli or Sir Vivian Richards of what you expect from them,” said Lara to the PTI.
Lara believed that the Indian team was lacking a few young players. He also noted that there was nothing wrong with relying on experience in a major sporting event.
“You want to stick with that experience when you have such great players because you feel like they can do it and it’s okay,” he added.
Lara stated that Dravid would be preoccupied with planning, given the notable stars in the Indian squad. The Windies great predicted that Rohit Sharma’s team might win the coveted trophy.
“There’s a lot of talented young guys emerging, but there’s also a dilemma. India have selected the experienced squad. My suggestion to Dravid is to be certain with a great plan,” Lara suggested.
“The group has everything it takes to win the World Cup. Yes, given the circumstances, the squad may have a few young players missing. However, I think that if they make a great gameplan. India could win World Cup,” he concluded.