Cricket World Cup 2015: Indians have surprised me by getting this far

The World Cup enters its decisive phase now. We are seven matches away from the summit and every team will fancy its chances. So I will not rule out any of these quarterfinalists.

Of the sides expected to progress, only England does not figure in the knockout stage. I expected them to play better. South Africa has disappointed because they are struggling to play to their potential, while India has performed far better than most had expected.

I don’t think the Indian team was playing well enough to make such a big impact in the league stage. They have won every contest and, amazingly, taken all 60 wickets. By bowling the opposition out in every match, the Indian bowlers have achieved a rare feat.

From the time I played against them, I have been a huge fan of the West Indies. They need someone like Clive Lloyd who can get the best out of the players. He could carry the team together. It is a tough job, no doubt, because they come from various islands and possess different temperament. The team, however, can’t be brushed aside.

New Zealand was the team to watch in the run-up to the tournament and I never doubted their calibre. The important part of New Zealand’s campaign has been their composition and the overall standard of fielding.

But I have my doubts if they can produce the same intensity and form outside their own country.

Pakistan has emerged a dangerous side. They have come out on top after suffering initial setbacks and have nothing to lose. They meet Australia and the contest should attract the attention of those who look for great competition. Aggressive by nature, they have a calm leader in Misbah-ul-Haq, but I won’t compare him with someone like Imran Khan. Their personalities and temperament differ vastly. The inclusion of Sarfraz Ahmed has made a big difference to Pakistan’s prospects.

Australia is the most feared and consistent teams in world cricket. Their cricket has been near perfect for some time now and they are the favourites of most. With players like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, Australia can go the distance.

Their bowling is sharp and incisive. Most fear Mitchell Johnson but it is Mitchell Starc who looks capable of slicing through the opposition. He has developed into a match-winner and is a bigger threat than Johnson. It is exceptional to be able to bowl at 145kmph and swing the ball. But Johnson can’t be ignored because big players fire in big matches.

South Africa has not learnt its lessons. They promise a lot on paper but fumble and disappoint their fans at the clinching stage. I don’t like it when South Africans are termed "chokers" and it is up to the players now to shake off that unwanted tag. They have strong opponents in Sri Lanka, who were finalists in the previous two editions. England made an early exit due to its refusal to change and paid dearly in the match against an impressive Bangladesh. The stage is set for some exciting encounters. Sit back and enjoy.