Zaheer confident of India playing World Cup semis

Zaheer advised India's team management to open the bowling with Mohammed Shami. 

Zaheer Khan, the Indian fast bowler, feels India's performance in the recently-concluded tri-series in Australia where they failed to win a single match, will not affect the psyche of the players heading into the 2015 World Cup. India open their World Cup title defence against Pakistan on February 15, which will be preceded by two warm-up games against Australia and Afghanistan.

In an interview with PTI Bhasha, Zaheer said India could make the last four of the competition. "(The) World Cup is a new tournament and I don't think India's performance in tri-series will affect them. They have also got a long break after that and if you see the format also, I am sure India will play the semi-finals," Zaheer was quoted as saying.

"The Indian team had a long Australia tour and played at almost every venue. This can work to their advantage."

Zaheer, who has been nursing injuries as a result of which he had to miss out on the Indian domestic season, tipped Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as players who India would rely on during the course of the competition.

"Rohit and Virat's form will be crucial to India's World Cup chances," he said. "Rohit will be opening the innings with Virat coming at either Nos 3 or 4 depending on the match situation. Both have the ability to bat through the innings or even play the anchor, a role necessary in such a tournament."

Along with India, Zaheer said hosts Australia and New Zealand along with South Africa have the ability to last the distance as the "World Cup is a long tournament and injuries play a crucial role", but equally important is to have a "settled team and gain momentum at the right time",

"Injuries are part and parcel of the game but you have to find the right combination," he said. "It's not about bowling only. Cricket is a team game and batsmen also have to give their best. I am hopeful that India will deliver an all-round performance."

Zaheer assessed India had their bowling combination wrong during the tri-series, and suggested opening the bowling with Mohammed Shami. "If you ask my suggestion, they should give the new ball to Shami, who will set the tone. The first spell will be very crucial. I will only say that taking wickets is the only key to restrict run-rates."

He said the new rules of using two new balls and involving fielding restrictions applied to all and teams must have become used to them. "We have been playing with the new rules for a while now. As far as death overs are concerned, the bowlers must think clearly. I am sure they will do well," he said of the Indian pacers.