Still dream of playing World Cup - Sehwag

Virender Sehwag last played for India in March 2013. Barring an odd big knock in the IPL, he has failed to impress with the bat during this period. Still, retirement is not on his mind and he is hopeful of featuring in India's list of World Cup probables and possibly, playing the tournament.

"I am still hopeful that my name will figure in the 30 probables for the World Cup," Sehwag said at an ICC promotional event in Mumbai. "Every player who represents the country dreams of playing in the World Cup and I also still dream of playing in it."

Last month, Sehwag made himself unavailable for the Deodhar Trophy, reportedly to offer more opportunities to youngsters from the North Zone. Still, he stressed he was hoping to break into the national side. "I am playing first-class cricket and looking to score as many runs as I can. Last year, I scored around 250 runs and hopefully this year I can score more. I hope that I can score runs and get back into the [national] side."

Sehwag was also optimistic about India's chances in the 2015 World Cup. "I think without hopes, nothing happens," he said. "We won the World Cup in 2011 and I believe we are capable of defending the title in 2015. Our team is very good and is playing well in ODIs. I am sure we can retain the World Cup."

The biggest challenge India could face are the pace-friendly conditions in Australia and New Zealand. Indian teams in the past have struggled to adapt to conditions different from those in the subcontinent. This time, though, the Indian team will spend more than two months in Australia before the World Cup and Sehwag is confident the acclimatisation will help India immensely.

"Australia is the best place to play cricket. You get good wickets with bounce, fast wickets, and the ball comes nicely on to the bat," he said. "You will enjoy batting in Australia and you will also enjoy bowling in Australia. I think all the players who will go to the World Cup, they have already played in Australia and they will be playing in the triangular series before the World Cup so they will get used to the conditions.

"The wickets are similar, they are not different. In the World Cup, you will get good wickets to bat and bowl on. You will get true wickets for the game. I don't think there will be any problem for any team or any problem to adjust. If you have the talent and if you have a strong mindset, you can perform anywhere in the world. A lot of our players have performed in Australia, South Africa, England and everywhere. So we have the team and hopefully we will do well in the World Cup."