Similar to the 2003 team : Ganguly

Ganguly said that the current team is similar to the 2003 Indian team, which was fearless and almost won the Cup.

A strong batting line up like the 2003 team and fearlessness mark the characteristics of both teams. With such a combination, Ganguly feels that India can make it to the finals.

"Like 2003, this time also we are in the right frame of mind, we have a settled side which has been doing well for sometime now. The team is equally good and strong and have the potential to go all the way."

"We have a very strong batting line-up with a lot of match-winners in the side. It's a very strong side."

"Personally, I don't believe in terming any favourites.

It's a tournament where last three games -- quarterfinal onwards -- will make a difference. Australia, India and South Africa look very strong."

"I see Pakistan as dark-horse, Sri Lanka too can be very strong in these conditions. Also, I expect Bangladesh to put up some good shows. They are an improved side now. But I see all the top teams making the last eight stage. From there on it can be anybody's game on a given day".

About his team which lost to Australia in the finals, Saurav added, ""We had a very good and strong side and we played well throughout the tournament. We beat every team except for Australia (in the final). We played fearless cricket. All players were in form, the way the team got together was excellent."

It was disappointing not to win the Cup in 2003 as we had the side.,"

About India's debacle in the Carribean in 2007, he said "2007 was a different story. We were never there. We did not start well and the team was dealt a huge blow after going down to Bangladesh. Thereafter the team lacked confidence and that became the turning point. The team was not settled with players going in and going out. There was an air of uncertainty."

"The format was such that only two team from the groups could make the cut. After losing to Bangladesh, we were on the back-foot and it was difficult to recover," he recalled.

"This time, the format is very good and allows every team a fair chance. Even if you had one bad day, there is time to recover."

"Mahendra Singh Dhoni has done very well as captain. He backs his teammates, supports them which helps in bringing the best of the side. Also, he has a very good side under him," he said.

"The batting is really strong with the likes of Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni. I hope things go well and it's important from India's point of view that players remain fit through out the long tournament," Ganguly added.