India depends too much on Tendulkar: Omar Henry

Excerpts:

Q: There has been a spate of One-Day Internationals in the last couple of years. Do you believe the South Africans who were out of international cricket for over two decades have adapted to the realities of the situation?

I feel it is the perception of a player or a team that matters most, whether it be the Testsor the One-Day games. The game has changed so much in the last decade that one has to accept it in the current form. There s no way escaping from it. Like other cricket-playing countries, the South Africans have also adjusted themselves quite adequately to the new situations. The recent successful performances prove this.

Q: The South Africans participated in two World Cups since their re-entry. Yet, they have not been able to do justice to their potential? What could be the reasons?

Getting back to the international fold was the best thing to have happened to our cricket. We were until then playing only in Provincial cricket which was hardly motivating. Test cricket is the real stuff. Yet, we have managed to put up good a show over the years.

We could have won the 1996 World Cup. We should have won the game against the West Indies. I am sure the team has learnt from its past mistakes. We sure are one of the contenders for this year’s Cup.

Q: What, in your opinion, is the secret of SouthAfrica’s recent success in Test and One-Day Internationals?

The team has worked hard over the years to achieve it and to reach this stage. What makes the South African cricketers different from other countries is their fitness level. It has given the team an added advantage over others. Cricket today has become very tough. So much money is involved. To remain in contest till the last delivery in any match, one must remain cool, both in mind and body. Your mind can be sharp only if your body is strong. The South Africans have an edge over other teams in this aspect. We give a lot of importance to fielding and physical fitness.

Q: You have seen the Indians over the years. What could be the reason for their failure against quality bowling attacks?

Until every member contributes, the team cannot be successful. Your team depends too much on the all-round skills of Sachin Tendulkar. The day other members of the team start sharing the responsibilities, the team’s fortunes will change for thebetter.

That is the reason why most teams prefer to have more all-rounders in their teams so that they contribute one way or the other in the team’s success. That is one reason why the South Africans are doing so well at present. If Allan Donald fails, there is Shaun Pollock to take wickets, or Klusener to destroy the opposition. The same with our batting. And the leadership of the team also plays a very important role in shaping the fortunes of the team. We are fortunate in having Hansie Cronje, who is a total team-man. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of each player and acts accordingly.

Q: With the World Cup round the corner, which team would you put your money on?

This World Cup should be an interesting one. I think the South Africans and the Australians are in the right frame of mind and in peak form. But one cannot rule out other teams. The Sri Lankans may be in the dumps today but are capable of putting things together once the Cup gets going. The same goes for Pakistan. NewZealand and Zimbabwe are slowly proving to be thorns on the way of stronger teams. Even India could be in contention. One cannot rule out the West Indies. They cannot perform any worse. They can only improve.

Q: What do you feel has been the most significant contribution by the South African cricket team to world cricket in the last eight years?

Positive and aggressive cricket. The way the South Africans play the game has what made it so exciting. There is never a dull moment, whether be it Test or One-Day, while the South Africans are in the middle. That’s the charm of the game.