“I think India’s squad is incredible, really, really strong. Captain Rohit, Hardik Panday [is the] vice-captain,” de Villiers said. “The only worry I have for India is playing at home.Last time they played in India, they won. There will be huge pressure. That’s the only big obstacle in my opinion,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
De Villiers also has a piece of advice for Team India to counter the pressure in their bid to replicate the 2011 success.
“But go fearless. And that is exactly the word I’m talking about. Forget about the pressure of the nation, that’s something you can’t control. Control what you can control. Fearless is the word I’m looking for in the Indian squad. If they can do that, they’ll go a long way and most probably lift that trophy,” he said.
Former South African captain de Villiers also believes that top-ranked T20 batsman Suryakumar Yadav should make a slight adjustment in his mindset to mirror his accomplishments in the 50-over format.
“You guys know I’m a big fan (of Surya). He plays in a similar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he hasn’t cracked it yet.”
“It is a tiny little mind switch that he’s got to make, and he’s got all the ability and capabilities that he needs to do that,” he added.
“I am very relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad, I’m very happy about it. I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup,” he said.