Former Indian World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has asserted that the hosts England have a slight edge over the Indian team when both sides take on each other in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19.
Furthermore, he reckoned that India’s biggest challenge has been finding the right team rhythm in the ongoing England tour. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Kapil has insisted that Team India’s inability to gel as a settled unit has been the main reason behind their recent T20I series drubbing and ODI series moving to the decider.
“I think both teams are 50-50 at the moment. Since England is playing at home, you can say they have a slight edge, maybe 51 percent,” Kapil told IANS.
“Looking at the way our team has performed in the T20Is and so far in the ODI series, I don’t think the team has gelled completely yet. If this Indian side starts clicking as a unit, I would even give them a 60 percent chance,” he added.
India will move to the final ODI of the series at Lord’s on the back of a four-wicket defeat to England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The 1983 World Cup-winning captain also defended the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir amid discussions surrounding the team’s recent performances.
“That is up to the cricket board and the selection committee to decide. I think he has done a fairly good job, and I wish him all the best,” Kapil concluded.
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