India have strong chance to defend World Cup: Fletcher

Sydney, Jan 16 (IANS) Indian cricket coach Duncan Fletcher Friday said his team's belief in defending the World Cup title stems from the way it has performed in overseas conditions over the past couple of years.

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Fletcher, who will be coaching a team in the World Cup for the third time, said the 2013 Champions Trophy victory is a testament to the fact that the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side is used to winning and has a strong chance to retain the title.

"We have a good chance to win after the way the team has been building over the last three-four years. A big reason for my belief is our Champions Trophy (2013) victory in England," the 66-year-old was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"We played in every foreign conditions that didn't suit the side and yet we played so well that we didn't lose a single match. That shows that the side is used to winning and that's really exciting."

Asked to pick one quality that gives this team an edge over the others, the Zimbabwean pointed out: "One-day cricket is all about handling extreme pressure when the side is down; understanding where the game is poised at that stage and finding your way out of that situation to end up on the winning side. Our excellent record when chasing totals shows that."

"Most other sides can't do it because under such pressure, you lose your cool. Because Dhoni is so adept at soaking in the pressure, we have done well in those situations.

It is important to be calm and take the game all the way and win with maybe three balls to spare. People might say, 'Oh, they barely got home', but getting home is the most important thing."