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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 | The Indian Eye 50

ICC WORLD CUP 2023

Can this squad win the trophy for

India? Experts back Men in Blue

Australia have sealed their place at the summit of the ICC Men’s ODI rankings by dethroning Pakistan

OUR BUREAU

Mumbai
outh Africa’s batting great feels India has a
strong squad but their only worry would be
Sexpectations of a home ICC Men’s Cricket
World Cup. India announced their squad for the
upcoming Cricket World Cup recently. The Rohit
Sharma-led team has its fair share of experienced
names and makes up for a strong side on paper.
However, given India’s win in their last home
World Cup in 2011, there will be high pressure on
the hosts to regain the coveted trophy. Former
South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who has seen
Indian cricket from close quarters in recent years,
talked about the team’s chances on his YouTube
channel. He was worried that despite having a pow-
erful squad, the Men in Blue might be bothered by
the pressure of a home World Cup.
“I think India’s squad is incredible, really, re-
ally strong. Captain Rohit, Hardik Pandya [is the]
vice-captain,” de Villiers said.
“The only worry I have for India is playing at
home. Last time they played in India, they won.
There will be huge pressure. That’s the only big ob-
stacle in my opinion.”
But if they manage to control the same, he ex-
pects them to go a long way in the tournament.
“But go fearless. And that is exactly the India’s squad for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

word I’m talking about. Forget about the hasn’t cracked it yet. at the summit of the ICC Men’s ODI rankings by
pressure of the nation, that’s something you Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad also feels dethroning Pakistan following their dominant dis-
can’t control. Control what you can control. that the Indian team are strong contender for the play against South Africa in the 2nd ODI of the
upcoming ICC ODI World Cup from October 5
three-match ODI series. Days after the ‘Men in
Fearless is the word I’m looking for in the in India. The former pacer believes that the Indi- Green’ took their place at the top of the table in the
Indian squad. If they can do that, they’ll go a an team is in possession of a “good squad” but the Men’s ODI Team Rankings, Australia reclaimed
their spot with a win in the second ODI against
support from the fan base will also play a crucial
long way and most probably lift that trophy.” role in their journey. South Africa.
He urged the Board of Control for Cricket in Ever the dominant ODI side, Australia have
Among India’s squad members is Suryakumar India (BCCI) to ensure that the experience of the continued doing well in the limited overs format.
Yadav, who will have a role to play in the mid- fans should be easy and smooth in comparison to In the 2022 season, they lost a closely-fought series
dle-order. previous years. against Sri Lanka away from home. Their hiccups
Suryakumar’s ODI form has been an enigma. “We have a good team and are strong contend- continued after reaching the Australian continent
While he took to the T20I format with ease, his ers for the World Cup but we need genuine fans when they were humbled by Zimbabwe in a dead
ODI numbers have been far from impressive. The inside the stadium cheering for the team and their rubber after having won the series. However, the
Mumbai batter averages 24.33 in the format. experience needs to be far smoother and easier Kangaroos followed that with a 3-0 drubbing of re-
De Villiers believes Suryakumar needed only a than what it has been, and for that the BCCI needs gional rivals New Zealand at home.
tiny mind switch to crack the ODI code. to do far better than they have done so far. It is In November 2022, they whitewashed England
“I am very relieved to see SKY in the World a reflection of the country as a whole and we as a 3-0, again at home. They then went on to beat India
Cup squad, I’m very happy about it. You guys know nation should not be let down at any cost,” Prasad in India in March 2023. With the win against South
I’m a big fan [of Suryakumar]. He plays in a simi- posted on X (formerly Twitter). Africa in Bloemfontein, they have now taken a 2-0
lar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he Meanwhile, Australia have sealed their place lead in the five-match series.

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