ICC World Cup 2019: India Will Be One of the Front Runners To Win The Trophy – Martin Guptill
Apr 4, 2019 at 12:32 PM
New Zealand Cricket team opener Martin Guptill has admitted that Indian National Cricket will be one of front runners to lift the ICC World Cup 2019 Trophy. Meanwhile, England and Wales will host the mega event starting from May 30.
Guptill, who struggled against India earlier this year, worked on the technical aspect of the game. Following that, he scored tons of runs against Bangladesh and is raring to go the World Cup. Meanwhile, the Kiwis have already announced their 15-member squad and comprises of three surprises. They have included Tom Blundell – yet to debut in ODIs, Colin de Grandhomme and Ish Sodhi in the top 15. Otherwise, the squad remains as expected as Martin Guptill will don the opener’s role. Currently, he is in India plying his trade in the Indian Premier League for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Although he is yet to get a game, Guptill is having a good time in the subcontinent.
Recently, in a chat, the Kiwi batsman predicted Windies to be a dark horse in the upcoming ICC World Cup. The Caribbean side has surprised in the recent series against England with Chris Gayle in top-form.
“West Indies probably would be the dark horse. They’ve got some match winners all the way down their line-up. So, it’s going to be a fun tournament, one that every team is going to have the same feeling about, the best team will win on the day,” Guptill said.
India one of the contenders: Guptill
The Kiwi, when asked who is the favourite to win the trophy, admitted that it is hard to predict. However, Martin Guptill predicted Virat Kohli-led India is one of the front runners along with England and Australia. The Aussies have picked at the right time after a struggling one year beating India and Pakistan at their home. And with David Warner and Steven Smith joining the squad, they will be a force to reckon with.
“It’s too hard to know! There are quite a few teams that put their hand up. India have got a very strong team at the moment, they have been playing very good cricket. England as well have been playing some amazing cricket and look what Australia have done in the UAE against Pakistan as well,” he added.
In conclusion, Martin Guptill summed up that in this kind of tournament any team can win on a given day. New Zealand will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 1 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.