India have been made of superstar stuff in this ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 so far, showing just why they are the defending champions with three authoritative wins.
Next up for the Indian bandwagon are the West Indies, and one of the greatest players ever produced from the Caribbean Islands, someone who knows a thing or two about winning the CWC, believes WI might just provide India their stiffest competition yet.
India stopped Pakistan and South Africa in their first two games at this World Cup 2015 – believed to be two of their toughest challenges – before easing past the UAE in their third match on Saturday.
West Indies now await them at the WACA on Friday, and having bowled out the UAE for little to nothing on the same pitch in Perth, India will be confident of a similar show. However, West Indies great Clive Lloyd, now the chairman of selectors, believes it is that same pitch which might work in his side's favour.
"It will be a good game, India will be good opponents," said Lloyd, according to BCCI's official website. "They have been playing well and we have been sporadic in our play but we're hoping that this pitch at the WACA will suit us quite well. It should be an exciting game.
"They've won three out of three. So we can't fault their bowling or their batting. India is always a formidable side and they'll continue to be so. But when you set a standard, people expect you to keep that standard all the time.
"India have a good all-round side and that is why they have been champions. They are doing well but I hope they don't do too well on Friday."
West Indies have blown hot and cold in this tournament so far – losing to Ireland in their opening match, before thumping Pakistan and Zimbabwe, only to then be given a lesson by South Africa. On their day, there is little doubt they are a team capable of beating any team in the world, and Lloyd is hopeful Friday will be one of those days.
"We have a good bowling attack, good batsmen, and a good all-round side," he added. "We have a formidable side. We bat till eight or nine; everybody from one to nine has done extremely well and posted big scores.
"Once we bat to our potential we will do extremely well. It is obvious that this game is important to us and for India too. We want to do well and if we play to our ability we will be able to do so.
"It all depends on the day's cricket. India have good batsmen in their side and I am sure they have played against very fast bowlers. They will be able to combat anything that is thrown at them.
"ODI cricket is all about who plays well on the day and gets their disciplines right. If we do that, we will give them a good run for their money."
