Kolkata: India's World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten termed Indian cricket team as an "incredibly strong unit which opponents will find it tough to beat" during the upcoming mega event starting February 14.
"The Indians have a really good chance of retaining the trophy. They have produced a new team after 2011 and they have had incredible success. I think the Champions Trophy win was a tremendous event for them and they have an incredibly strong side, which will be tough to beat," Kirsten said at a promotional event in Kolkata on Saturday.
With Indian team plagued with injuries, Kirsten said that it depends on the player who is injured.
"It all boils down to how important the cricketer is to the balance of the team. Replacing an important but injured player is tough, as the guy who comes in to fill his shoes may not be able to play the same role. Before the knock-outs, the teams can experiment and reshuffle a bit and then settle down on the combination of the team," he added.
For Kirsten, everyone has moved one since the triumph of 2011.
"They have all forgotten about 2011 and are focusing on the upcoming World Cup. New time, renewed hopes, they will be doing their best to retain the trophy."
