Chief cricket selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth feels that India's emphatic One-day series victory against Sri Lanka is proof of the team's bench strength and this augurs well for the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent.
Srikkanth said on Thursday night's victory at Eden Gardens, where India successfully chased 315, has been particularly pleasing since it came in the absence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh.
"Winning without Dhoni and Yuvraj shows that the bench strength is strong. The youngsters are filling the gaps. The contributions have come at crucial junctures like Virat Kohli coming in for Yuvraj Singh in ODIs and (Murali) Vijay for Gautam (Gambhir) in Tests," said Srikkanth during an interaction with the media at the Palam ground in New Delhi on Friday during the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
"The competition is healthy and I think it is good for the team," he added.
Reflecting on the series victory over Sri Lanka, Srikkanth noted: "The last two months have been good. I am happy the way the team has performed."
Srikkanth was lavish in his praise for Kohli, who hit his maiden ODI century at Kolkata's Eden Gardens Thursday as India went 3-1 up in the five-matche series with one game to go.
"He was simply brilliant. For a younsgeter, he handled the pressure superbly."
Srikkanth is pleased with the way things have shaped up in the last one year.
"Like in Tests, I want the team to become the No 1 in One-day cricket too. And nothing would be greater than winning the 2011 World Cup."
On India's poor fielding being a cause of concern, Srikkanth said: "They are trying to improve and I am sure things will fall in place."
Describing Ishant Sharma as a very "talented" cricketer, he said the fast bowler's loss of form was not a "cause for concern."
"It's just that he is going through a rough patch. I am sure he is going to come back strong."
The former India Test captain complimented coach Gary Kirsten for doing a fine job.
"Kirsten is brilliant. He is a sensible person and he knows what he is doing. His contribution is important."
On India becoming the top Test team, Srikkanth said: "We deserved to be the No.1 in Tests. We have been doing well in different conditions. India have beaten teams in their own backyard. We have won at home on placid pitches and not on turning tracks. Some of the victories have come from difficult situations which means the team can fight back.”
"I rate this team very highly because Sehwag can tear apart the bowling, Tendulkar can provide the balance and Gambhir and Dravid can play for hours."
Asked about the lack of good spinners, Srikkanth said: "It's not fair to say so. Amit (Mishra) won you a Test match against Australia and we have been on the lookout for some more talent. We have been watching the first class matches and I must say there is plenty of talent in the spin department too."
Srikkanth said the national selectors have their eyes fixed on domestic competitions to spot talent.
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