Asserting that M.S. Dhoni's men have the potential to go all the way in the ongoing World Cup, former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri on Monday said the team's next match against England was crucial as a win could secure a quarterfinal berth for the country.
“India have a very good chance...I don't think they (Indian team) would look at any competition. This Indian team, if they play to its potential, it can beat anybody,” Shastri told reporters during a promotional event for Audi car.
“Victory against England will make it two-out-of-two and we would be almost certain to make it to the quarterfinal. You can play freely. So the next match is very important to get a win on the board,” he added.
India, which defeated Bangladesh by 87 runs in the first match at Dhaka, will face England on February 27 in Bangalore.
Asked what would be his advice to the Indian squad, he said, “Enjoy your cricket. Don't let the pressure get to you. Understand your role. Go and play to the best of your ability. That's the way you get the crowd on your side which helps you to raise the bar.”
Recalling the country's victory in the 1985 World championship of cricket, Shastri, who was named Champion of Champions for his 182 runs and eight wickets and was presented with an Audi 100 car for his efforts, said a win in that tournament proved that India's performance in the 1983 World Cup was not a fluke.
He further said his winning the Audi paved the way for an amendment to the tax laws, which allowed those who won a car in world events to bring it duty free.
