Former International cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and Eoin Morgan have picked India as a favourite to win the ODI World Cup in the home conditions. Team India will be one of the favourites to win the World Championship in India, as they have a formidable unit to perform well in home conditions.
The last time the ODI World Cup was played in Asia, India won the tournament by defeating Sri Lanka in the final on home soil in 2011. They will look to put impressive in front of the home crowd to win the trophy after 12 long years.
Speaking on Sky Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara feels that England and India will walk in as one of the favourites to win the World Cup in India, highlighting the performance of the Men in Blue in Asia Cup 2023 where they put a dominating show against the formidable opponents.
He further believes that the team would have a good chance if they make it into the knockout stage of the World Cup.
“I think England and India are going to be top favourites, as I saw Sri Lanka play the last game and how they played throughout the Asia Cup, so they could be challenging for a playoff position once you’re in the playoffs, you’re a game away. You have a good day, you could be in the final,” Kumar Sangakkara said.
India’s first match of the World Cup is against Australia on Sunday, October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The marquee clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He Has Bowl Little Bit In The Asia Cup So Far, But He Has Bowled Really Really Well – Eoin Morgan
Meanwhile, World Cup winning skipper Eoin Morgan feels that India’s chances in the World Cup will depend largely on the form and fitness of Hardik Pandya, who is one of the few players who can both bat and bowl at the top six in international cricket, will be a key player for India heading into the team’s biggest event on home soil.
“The fitness level of Hardik Pandya, his ability to bowl. He has bowled little bit in the Asia Cup so far but he has bowled really really well and there are very few sides in the tournament that would be a genuine contender that will have somebody who bats in the tops six and has the ability to bowl.
“Having Hardik Pandya fit and being able to bowl five and six overs of the quality bowling really does in my eyes make them probably favourite,” Eoin Morgan said.
India’s performance in ICC competitions has been really disappointing. They have not won an ICC title since MS Dhoni led the team to glory in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue will be one of the favourites for the tournament and will be desperate to lay their hands on the trophy.
