Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, which will kick off from October 5. The opening match will see defending champions England take on 2019 World Cup runners-up New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Host nation India will take on Australia in their campaign opener on October 8 in Chennai. Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has picked England as his favorite to win the upcoming World Cup.
Gavaskar stated that the Jos Buttler-led side has a great bowling line-up and also consists of three “world-class all-rounders” who can change the game.
“The defending champions, England, because of the kind of talent they have at the top of the order, the batting order, they have two or three world-class all-rounders who can change the game with either batting.” and ball. They also have a very good bowling line-up, an experienced bowling line-up, so definitely in my eyes at the moment,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
On the other hand, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan backed Team India and stated that the hosts “tick all the boxes” and are one of the favorites to lift the coveted ICC trophy.
“I’m really excited to see how India perform and I really think they are one of the favourites, especially because of the last few series, like the Asia Cup, and the way India played against Australia at home as well. I think that they meet all the requirements,” Pathan said.
“They have players who are performing very well, but you have someone like Mohammed Shami, who doesn’t play eleven consistently, who is a world-class bowler himself, so it shows what kind of team India has and at the same time the strength that India has,” he added.
Ahead of the World Cup, Team India will play their first warm-up match against England in Guwahati on Saturday.
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