Yuvraj believes in winning matches than being strong on paper

The superb middle-order batsman from the home team, Yuvraj Singh feels that it won't matter how strong the team is on paper if they don't win matches.

Talking to media, he said, “Irrespective of everything, our team has been winning matches and that is very important. The 1983 team was a successful team and if we have to prove that we are a good team then we have to win matches. It doesn't matter how strong the team is on paper. More important is to win games.”

Further, the middle-order batsman said, “The key is to bat well in the middle overs and assess the situation. What situation are we in, whether we need to consolidate or we need to build partnerships. It is just what I have been trying to do in the last couple of years.”

"We have definitely thought about the 2007 World Cup in West Indies and the reasons for not qualifying. It's past now and we have made a new beginning. In the last World Cup, we didn't have momentum going. So, this time around it is very important to get the momentum. We have to prepare well and see how we start the tournament," he said.

The dashing batsman said that they have prepared well for the tournament.

"We are preparing very well and are charged up and raring to go in the first game (against Bangladesh). We have a lot of experience in our bowling and batting department. If we can field well consistently, it will definitely help us in the World Cup," he added.

Praveen Kumar out of World Cup, left for England

As per the latest news from the media sources, in a huge blow to Team India just before the start of the 2011 World Cup, India's pace bowler Praveen Kumar has been hit with a elbow injury and may fly to England for treatment.

The player, who sustained the injury during the recent tour to South Africa, was recuperating at the National Cricket Academy. On the other hand, the injury has forced and this poses a serious question on his availability for the World Cup.

In the meantime, officials from the Sports Front told media, the player’s participation will only be clear after further medical advice.

If he is unable to recover in time, India will have to pick a bowler from among those named in the squad of 30 to replace him and S Sreesanth will most likely get the nod.