Jamshedpur’s Keenan Stadium is one of my favourite venues,”says former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad

The member of the 1983 World Cup winning side is in city for Over 60s Master Cricket Tournament

Jamshedpur, Nov 4: Kirti Azad was glad to be back at the Keenan Stadium where, during his playing days, sixes rained from his broad willow.

In the steel city for the inaugural Over 60s Master Cricket Tournament (Pankaj Memorial Cup, the World Cupper said he has always loved to play at the Keenan. “It (Keenan) is one of my favourite venues. Staying at the guest house, the grand hospitality by the people here was simply very nice. Coming here is a different feeling, a different experience,” Kirti said while interacting with the media on Saturday.

The allrounder and a member of the 1983 World Cup winning Indian team said the current national cricket team has the ability to lift the 2023 World Cup trophy. “Winning the 1983 World Cup was a momentous occasion. It was a big achievement not only for me but the whole country. This Indian side can win the 2023 World Cup”,”Kirti, who has played 7 Test matches (1981-83) and 25 ODIs (1980-86), added.

According to him, the Indian team management should make Mohammed Shami to open the pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah. “The seam position of Shami is very good. He has control over the team position. He (Shami) should launch India’s pace attack with Bumrah. Shami has already scalped 14 wickets in 3 matches. Keeping him out of the playing IX in the early stages of the ongoing World Cup just because he was not a good batter was not a wise decision,”Kirti added.

The former Indian cricketer said India should win the World Cup semi-final and also the summit clash and once again lift the trophy. “But let me tell you, South Africa is also a very good and balanced team. It has top quality seam bowlers in Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Jansen, in particular, has the ability to devastate any side. India should be careful against Jansen in the semis or the finals. He (Jansen) is a dangerous bowler,” the 64-year-old pointed out.

Wishing Team India the best in the ongoing World Cup, Kirti said he would be very happy if India pockets the World Cup. Any Indian would like India to win the World Cup. “I have been a member of the World Cup winning side. So, I know how it feels  winning the World Cup,” he signed off.