India stand good chance of retaining World Cup:Jeffrey Archer

NEW DELHI: Celebrated author Jeffrey Archer, an avid cricket follower, says the Indian team's performance in the initial matches of the ongoing World Cup has surprised him and if they continue with this form they stand a good chance of retaining the trophy.

"I think the two teams to watch in the World Cup are Australia and New Zealand, but I must confess that the Indian team has surprised me," the British author, who was in India for the release of 'Mightier than the Sword' - the fifth book in the compelling 'The Clifton Chronicles' series, told PTI.

"It certainly wasn't the team I watched six months ago, although exactly the same players are turning up on the pitch. If they play as they have in the first four matches, they must have a serious chance of retaining the trophy," he said.

Only a few days ago he had compared the Indian team to Bollywood superstars, inconsistent in giving hit films and said he was puzzled by the team.

Indian cricketers have often drawn praises from Archer, who describes them as the best ambassadors of the sport in the world.

India have advanced to the quarter-finals of this World Cup beating the likes of Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, UAE and Ireland. They will most likely play Bangladesh in the last-eight stage.