Who Are The Favorites To Win The World Cup?

Playing at home, Team India will undoubtedly be one of the favorites. But that is not the sole reason why they are being touted as one of the strongest sides in the competition. Unlike some of the past...

-  RENIN WILBEN

The 2023 ODI World Cup will be played in India from October 5 to November 19. As the tournament approaches near, all teams are trying their best to be prepared for the mega event. The World Cup will kick-off with a rematch of the 2019 final between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in October. The previous ODI World Cup was held in England, and the conditions are expected to be vastly different in the 2023 World Cup to be played in India. So, who are the favorites heading into the latest ICC ODI World Cup? We analyze the form and squads of the teams to try and figure out the same.

INDIA, ENGLAND, AUSTRALIA THE FAVORITES

Playing at home, Team India will undoubtedly be one of the favorites. But that is not the sole reason why they are being touted as one of the strongest sides in the competition. Unlike some of the past ICC events during which there have been genuine concerns around the Men in Blue, the current setup looks well-settled and finely balanced.

They have exceptional talent in the batting department, which has a nice mixture of youth and experience. There are tried and tested performers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, while young Shubman Gill has displayed terrific form with the willow. In bowling, India possesses unarguably one of the most dangerous attacks comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya’s success with the ball augurs really well for India ahead of the World Cup. His presence when he bowls adds much-needed balance to the side. In Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Axar Patel [if fit], the Men in Blue have three genuinely good all-rounders.