Cricket fans throughout the globe are anticipating the start of the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 5. In Ahmedabad, the reigning champions England will face off against the 2019 World Cup first runners-up, New Zealand. Meanwhile, the host country, India, will begin their campaign on October 8 against Australia in Chennai. The anticipation is strong, and cricket fans can scarcely wait for the action to begin on the big stage.
Sunil Gavaskar And Irfan Pathan Pick Their Favourites For The ODI World Cup 2023
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed England as the favourites to win the 2023 World Cup. He points to England’s strong batting order, which is bolstered by two or three world-class all-rounders capable of making game-changing contributions with both the bat and the ball. Gavaskar also recognises England’s seasoned and skilled bowling assault.
“The defending champions, England, because of the kind of talent that they have at, at the top of the order, the batting order, they’ve got two or three world-class all-rounders who can change the game with both bat and ball. They’ve also got a very good bowling line-up, an experienced bowling line-up, so at the moment in my book certainly,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
In contrast, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the Indian cricket team, while playing on home soil, has a good chance of winning the prized ICC trophy. Pathan is extremely delighted with India’s recent results in the Asia Cup, notably their stunning performance against Australia at home. He is convinced that Team India is doing everything correctly.
“I’m very excited to see how India performs and I really think they are one of the favorites, for sure because especially last couple of series, like Asia Cup, and the way India played against Australia as well in the home conditions. I think they are ticking all the boxes,” said Pathan.
He also emphasised the depth of talent in the Indian squad, saying, “They have players who are performing really well but you have a guy like Mohammed Shami, who’s not in the part of playing 11 consistently, who’s a world-class bowler itself, so it shows the kind of team India has and at the same time the bench strength India has.”
England and India have emerged as serious candidates for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The reigning champions, England, bring a powerful roster to the table, while India, playing on home soil, has great momentum and skill depth. We are in for an exciting journey as these cricketing titans and others compete for glory in this famous competition.
