'India were ready to give it back to Aussies'

Mumbai: India's historic win in Australia has got the entire country ecstatic. Former Indian captain and the chairman of the Indian Cricket League Kapil Dev sounded very happy as he spoke to CNN-IBN's Roma Khanna.

Kapil Dev: Most of the people believed that after the win in the Perth Test, India could do very well in the One-day games. And that's what happened. Everyone played as a team and the captain did extremely well. The team kept its cool and kept working hard to win the tournament.

Roma Khanna: What exactly do you think went in favour of this team?

Kapil Dev: Perhaps the belief in themselves. I think all the controversies pushed them to perform better. The new generation doesn't really take it lying down. They were ready to give it back to them. It's a good sign. When you're right, stand up for it and fight hard. You will always come out a winner.

Roma Khanna: Will the two Sharmas (Ishant and Rohit) be the find of the series and this three-month tour?

Kapil Dev: I think Praveen Kumar as well. We saw a bit of Rohit in South Africa (during the T20 World Cup) and then in India, but Ishant was the surprise package.

I think the way Gautam Gambhir is playing, it's fantastic. Robin Uthappa is also showing good signs, unfortunately didn't get the runs to show for his efforts.

More Headlines from Interviews

• India began Australia's downfall: Zaheer

• Race for top spot is neck and neck: Yuvraj

• India will be No. 1 by next year: Srikkanth

• Determined Rohit eyeing Test spot

• 'SL won't tour Pak without govt approval'