MS Dhoni is 10 minutes away from getting back into form: Adam Gilchrist

How do you reckon Team India are doing?
The whole tournament is flowing along nicely, but somewhat quietly at the moment in Australia. But as the elimination games come up, there will be a lot more interest and big crowds. Well, I think India have been very professional (in their approach). They had a tough tour here. Everyone knows about that. They seemed to have forgotten about the trials and tribulations of that tour. Once the World Cup started, they showed that they are a world force (in this format). They are the defending champions, they love this format and they feel comfortable in these conditions. They will be up against some other tough opposition as the tournament goes on, but I think they are progressing well.

Has the turnaround surprised you?
As I said, they do play this (ODI cricket) well. They are very comfortable. And you would like to believe that they got used to the conditions really well after spending so much time here.

Which Indian player has impressed you the most?
Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan have done really well. But credit to MS Dhoni for the way he has led the side. He is probably just 10 minutes away from getting back into form. That's how it is for most players. You go through some tough periods and then you get it right. But what's really stood out is the bowling. Against the UAE here at the WACA (last Saturday), India showed they have the fire power. That should hold them in good stead.

Coming into the World Cup, the bowling department was India's weak link. What's going right for them?
During the warm-up against Australia in Adelaide, I didn't see much variation in the attack. Maybe they were holding back. But when they played Pakistan (in Adelaide on February 15) in the most high-profile game of the tournament, the bowlers just took the pace off the ball. They used their mind in conjunction with their skills to execute their plans. Those variations have helped someone like R Ashwin get into a nice rhythm on tracks that are not traditionally spin-friendly.

Virat Kohli is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. But on Tuesday, he was caught on the wrong foot…
Look, he is a young man in a hurry. He has achieved great things already. He will keep learning as he goes along. I think everyone loves him.

How do you view the India-West Indies game at the WACA on Friday?
The teams know each other well thanks to the IPL. Obviously Chris Gayle is going to be the biggest target. But all the Indian players and fans know him so very well. I think if you take him out of the equation early, then you can limit the damage. Darren Sammy is probably the other real danger man who can make a big impact by batting in the middle or late order. But I am sure India will be well prepared.

Australia have had an up-and-down tournament so far…
Look they had that one hiccup, one tough day, against New Zealand in Auckland. New Zealand played half the game really well. Australia played almost half a game really well. Neither team will be over-thrilled with their performance in that match. Yes, New Zealand took two points from that game, but we saw that both teams are also susceptible (to such a batting collapse). It also showed us that there are four or five teams who can win that World Cup.

Do you think India have it in them to win the World Cup again?
India have as good a chance as any other team. They seem to be going about their business quietly. It's not the same pace as it's in India with so many people watching them. They are building up nicely.

How well have they adjusted to the demands of the tournament?
They are really comfortable with this format. They probably sat down after the so-called disastrous tour Australian tour. I am sure they wanted to be away from the Australian team after so many matches. They will have to cross paths or will potentially cross paths sometime later in the tournament. But when you plan opposition so often, (you tend to get drained). So they probably cleared their mind after the series. That's where MS Dhoni's leadership comes into the picture. He always tries to make sure the guys stay relaxed.

Are you happy with the scheduling (too many days between games) and the format of this World Cup?
To me, the tournament is too long. Six weeks is just too long. Maybe the organisers should go the football World Cup style. Have four pools and 16 teams. That will allow you to include two more developing nations. How don't know how that works out when it comes to the number of days or games. Say, every team plays three preliminary games and then we have the knockouts. It will make the tournament a little more compact and competitive. Look, it's a difficult job. The ICC will have to sit down (and formulate a plan).

Sachin Tendulkar has suggested that the World Cup should be a 25-team affair…
That's a lot of competitive teams. The minnows or the qualifying nations have put up some strong performances at times. They are screaming out that they want to be in this tournament. Yes, the ICC has to support that (claim). But whether or not, we will get 25 (teams), I am not sure. Well, Sachin doesn't get much wrong, but 25 teams are too many. I think 16 teams in four pools (would be better).

Who inspired you to take up wicketkeeping? And how proud are you to have being the change agent in the way wicketkeepers play their cricket?
Rodney Marsh is my hero. Well, ODI cricket brought about that change. I was just part of the process. I just played a role as the format demanded that wicketkeepers adjust to the needs of the team.

Tell us about your son Harrison. Does he play the game?
Yes, he does. He bats right-handed and also keeps wicket. I am helping him like any father would help his son. The good thing is he is enjoying what he is doing.

The squash ball incident of the 2007 World Cup final comes to mind…
Well, it was a training device I used to get my bat grip right. So, yeah, I just decided to use it. It worked on that day. Actually, I used it through the tournament, but never talked about it.

Your World Cup prediction…
India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will make the semifinal line-up. Thereon, it's anybody's game.