Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has lauded India's dominant performance in the ongoing World Cup, noting that the team has yet to face a significant challenge. Despite losing the balance due to Hardik Pandya's injury, the Indian squad has clinched victories in all six league stage matches, firmly securing the top spot in the table.
Smith acknowledged India's historical strength on home turf, emphasising their formidable nature. He mentioned India's balanced team, with a potent bowling attack featuring both fast bowlers and spinners.
"India have been so dominant that they have not even been tested yet in the tournament. Last night probably, with a 230 total (against England) was perhaps the first time you could say, but it was a tough wicket and it showed that. They have been very dominant so far," PTI quoted Smith as saying.
"India, at home, are always tough to beat. They play so well in their conditions. You have got the balance, the bowling attack has weapons with fast bowling and great spinners, you have got a lot of bases covered," he added.
While Smith highlighted the potential vulnerability of India's batting lineup because of the absence of Hardik Pandya, he praised the team's ability to handle pressure in critical situations, drawing from their experience in high-pressure events.
"One worry at the moment is that you are playing one extra bowler because of that injury to Hardik Pandya. They have lost a little bit of balance that he brings. If you play against a team that gets you into trouble, say you are three or four (wickets) down, you are a batter short — you are missing that all-rounder, " Smith remarked.
Smith emphasised India's formidable bowling attack, ranking them as the best among all the World Cup teams. He pointed to their two high-quality spinners and pace bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, highlighting their ability to take wickets at any stage of an innings.
"You have got out-and-out attacking bowlers — everywhere they can take wickets throughout the innings. The depth, when we talk about pitches being batter-friendly and high-scoring, and to have bowlers who can take wickets, is a huge asset to have," Smith added.
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Regarding the crowd pressure in India, Smith remarked that the team has not appeared burdened by expectations. He noted that as the tournament progresses, teams will face heightened pressure in the knockout stages.
"India is always strong at home. But in the World Cup, there is extra pressure, extra expectation - it doesn't seem to be impacting them," Smith told ANI.