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‘India and Pakistan are not favourites to win the 2023 ODI World Cup’: Kumar Sangakkara

GLORY OF '92 said:
Pakistan won't win a WC this decade that's for sure.
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Nothing is for sure.

It won’t surprise me one bit if India doesn't reach the semi finals this year.

Pressure of a big tournament can get to anybody. India is no different.
 
Technics 1210 said:
India will win the WC, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to remind themselves how BCCI gifted the WC to Tendulkar in 2011 as a thank you for his services to India, you can bet BCCI will do the same for Kohli!
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Kohli and BCCI do not go well together, otherwise Kohli would have still been leading the side, if anything, BCCI will make sure India loses so they can dump Kohli forever and make sure that no Indian batter comes close to Tendulkar ever again.
 
India looks hot favorite as they are playing in their home conditions. It is their world Cup to loose.
 
gazza619 said:
Nothing is for sure.

It won’t surprise me one bit if India doesn't reach the semi finals this year.

Pressure of a big tournament can get to anybody. India is no different.
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Let's see. Can guarantee as long as Babar and Rizwan play we will never win a WC. India are a monster in home conditions. Last 3 WCs been won by hosts. It'll take a big upset for anyone else to win.
 
After this T20 World Cup,we can expect a boring heavy batting dominant odi world cup where batsmen score 200s every other day
 
How are teams shaping up for the 2023 CWC and who are the favourites?

Unlike previous CWC cycles, there's no clear favourites this time thanks to the reduced number of bilateral ODI's that were played and the pandemic. Here's how I see the different teams

1. England

Reigning champions but haven't had a great run since the 2019 WC in this format. They produce white ball cricketers, specifically batsmen, of a very high quality but the decline of Roy and the unavailability of Archer could be significant issues and they havent looked invincible like they did the last time around. Also, India has never been a great venue for them in ODI's historically speaking. Should make Semifinal though.

2. NZ

New Zealand would depend on Boult and Matt Henry to strike in the Powerplay upfront as their backup options like Tickner and Shipley have not looked as good . Even more so, the decline of Lockie since the last CWC should be a cause for concern in the middle overs but they have spinners who can compete with the best in this format. The batting looks more explosive with the Phillips and Bracewell a part of the side but NZ will hope that Finn Allen hits form as well. Should make semifinalbut may struggle against more complete sides.

3. India

India should make the semifinals based on their strengths while playing at home but the team looks very unsettled with key positions not being filled and with aging players like Rohit, Kohli and Shami. Injuries to the likes of Bumrah and Pant haven't helped either. That said, the emergence of Shubman and Siraj as top class ODI players is very encouraging and a lot will depend on how balanced a squad they can finally send. As of now, another SF exit awaits due to the lack of X factor in both batting and bowling.

4. Australia

Australia should be early favourites for the World Cup simply considering the quality of the main and the bench strength that they have in all departments. Their 3 quicks - Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins - are all high quality ODI bowlers and they have able back ups in Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott, Nathan ellis and even the young prospect lance morris is promising Their spin stocks are well covered with Zampa, Agar possibly Kuhnemann and Maxwell giving the part time off spin option. With the highly talented Josh Inglis as a back up batting option and the world's best young allrounder in Cameron Green, there is no team that is as well settled or as balanced as the Aussies.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan's bowling potency in T20's has not translated as well to other formats but with the return of Shaheen and Shadab, a bowling attack of Shaheen/Naseem/Nawaz/Shadab should be competent in Indian conditions. There are question marks about the 3rd seamer as Rauf’s T20 prowess diminishes in the longer formats. The batting is solid but lacks the explosive power of other teams and even the bowling depends on how well Shaheen and Shadab pull up. A semifinal would be overavcheiving for this side.

6. RSA

South Africa haven’t even qualified for the main tournament yet and their team looks in disarray. The bowling attack plays all formats and looked jaded from the workload and Rabada in particular needs to be managed. From balancing quotas and balancing the team, this side faces a lot of challenges. Rassie is their key batsmen but considering their form and selection issues, a semifinal would be a big achievement.

7. The Rest

Other than potentially being banana peels for the stronger sides, SL, WI, BD and Afghanistan have no realistic chance of winning or even qualifying for the knockouts.

Who do you think are favourites and why?
 
Pakistan have no clue tbh

They are blessed with bowlers so they can get that aspect right. Pakistan’s biggest mistake in the past 3 years under Babar was that they completely sidelined good players who were still fit, available and performing in domestics

Now the old regime is back and they are going to stuff those players in. It will look like a massive disruption job but it is actually the fault of Wasim Khan-Ramiz Raja for not preempting this possibility and keeping these players in the loop with rotational policies against the weaker sides

Umar Akmal
Sharjeel Khan
Ahmed Shahzad
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Mohammad Amir
Imad Wasim
Wahab Riaz

All of these boys will probably feature here and there now before the World Cup
 
England > Aus > NZ/India/Pak

Tickner and Shipley are not going to be anywhere near the WC squad - Southee, Milne and Jamieson are ahead of them in the pecking order.
 
I agree. A past it oldie like Southee, Milne who averages 38 in ODIs and a bloke who hasn't done anything in this format and is coming back from a serious back injury are definitely ahead. Quality attack.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
I agree. A past it oldie like Southee, Milne who averages 38 in ODIs and a bloke who hasn't done anything in this format and is coming back from a serious back injury are definitely ahead. Quality attack.
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And he put NZ as third fav along with Ind and Pak. I am still struggling to think
 
STAT: India last five ODIs batting first

409/8 vs Ban Chattogram
373/7 vs SL Guwahati
390/5 vs SL Trivandrum
349/8 vs NZ Hyderabad
385/9 vs NZ Indore
 
MenInG said:
STAT: India last five ODIs batting first

409/8 vs Ban Chattogram
373/7 vs SL Guwahati
390/5 vs SL Trivandrum
349/8 vs NZ Hyderabad
385/9 vs NZ Indore
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And in all of these innings they ended up short runs wise considering the start they got.
 
India at home have to be favourites surely.

The conditions, the crowds behind them, they will take some beating.
 
I think we got a preview today on how some of the pitches might be at the WC. Ball was turning big. Fast bowlers most likely will be secondary.

Though pitches will not turn as much at the WC, they will turn. Good spinners are a must. At least a couple of them.

India has that and should be among the favorites. Pakistan some how has get there too. I think they will.
 
U$ofA said:
I think we got a preview today on how some of the pitches might be at the WC. Ball was turning big. Fast bowlers most likely will be secondary.

Though pitches will not turn as much at the WC, they will turn. Good spinners are a must. At least a couple of them.

India has that and should be among the favorites. Pakistan some how has get there too. I think they will.
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Nawaz and shadab will be exceptional on turning pitches and if they include Imad that's also 2/3 who can bat.
 
U$ofA said:
I think we got a preview today on how some of the pitches might be at the WC. Ball was turning big. Fast bowlers most likely will be secondary.

Though pitches will not turn as much at the WC, they will turn. Good spinners are a must. At least a couple of them.

India has that and should be among the favorites. Pakistan some how has get there too. I think they will.
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That is not a preview. This is more an exception. Seamers always gets purchase on certain grounds. We will see more like 2011 pitches. Lot of true wickets.
 
Wasim Akram:

“Both Pakistan and India fantastic teams. Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world.”

"Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder. Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. (Mohammad) Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly"


Michael Vaughan:

“I have to say that England are the favourites even if it's in conditions that you know is little bit different to what it was in 2019 when they won the World Cup (in England). They (England) have got good spin options. They have got good players who play spin nicely. They have got good variations with the seam bowlers, Jofra Archer coming back (from injury) is huge. And Mark Wood is bowling at 90 miles per hour. So I think England have got the experience, but India will be a threat. If they can commit to an aggressive style, India are going to be a formidable force in home conditions,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...could-be-won-by-pakistan-101679322890700.html
 
Ricky Ponting has singled out a pair of key bowlers that must be at their best if Australia are to emulate his ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup exploits and taste success at this year's event.

Speedster Mitchell Starc was the pick of Australia's bowlers during the recent ODI series in India with eight wickets as the experienced quick terrorised white-ball specialist Suryakumar Yadav with a pair of golden ducks in the first two fixtures.

The left-arm quick now looms as Australia’s dangerman at the Cricket World Cup later this year after showing he remains a threat even in sub-continent conditions.

Starc has already claimed the most victims outright at the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, after sharing the honour with Trent Boult in the 2015 tournament.

"It's the overall package of Mitchell Starc. He's six-foot-five, bowls in the high 140-km per hour, he's a left-armer and he swings the new ball back in as Suryakumar found out," Ponting told host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

"When he's on song, he's as good as anyone in the world and has been for a long time.

"For lots of strange reasons, there has always been people willing to sit back and take potshots at Mitchell Starc for some of his performances. But if you have a cold hard look at the facts, particularly in white-ball cricket, his numbers are absolutely outstanding.

"He's shown in that series just how dangerous he can be with the new ball, regardless of the conditions."

Adam Zampa was another of Australia’s attacking threats with the ball in the three ODIs in India, taking four wickets for the series while restricting the hosts to only 4.88 runs an over.

The leg-spinner has now surged to the top of the wicket-takers list in the Cricket World Cup Super League - with 41 victims in 18 matches at an average of 19.73.

"He's probably been Australia's key bowler in all white-ball cricket for a long time, along with Mitchell Starc," Ponting said.

"Starc has been great but Adam Zampa for four or five years now has been a real revelation.

"He's been the backbone of the Australian bowling attack which probably led to him being a little bit disappointed not to be picked on a Test tour to India.

"But he's an outstanding performer. For a leg-spinner to become a very, very consistent performer, it's very rare that teams get on top of him and get hold of him.

"He's going to be one of Australia's trump cards for sure."

Australia continued their strong ODI form in India when they bounced back from a loss in the first match to claim the next two contests and with them the series.

The 2-1 series result means Australia have now won two of their three ODI series in India since 2019, to show they hold little fear for sub-continent conditions in the white-ball formats.

Ponting believes an experienced and all but locked-in batting line-up could also be crucial to the No.1 ranked ODI team winning the Cricket World Cup later this year.

"Obviously, in a World Cup, you want guys that have played a bit of cricket, a little bit of experience, so you don't want to expose young guys in such a big tournament," Ponting said.

"I never expected Mitchell Marsh to be opening the batting in ODIs for Australia. I could see him opening the batting T20Is, but not really in ODIs, and he was a real revelation at the top. He played as well as I think I've ever seen him play.

"I was surprised to see David Warner bat at four in that last game. That didn't really make a lot of sense to me because I don't think he'll bat there in the World Cup. I think he'll go back to the top of the order, which will probably mean that they'll open with the two left-handers.

"Travis Head, if he stays in that team, has to open the batting. He's much more dangerous against the new ball and the fast bowlers than he is against spin in the middle order.

"So I think they go back to Travis Head and Warner, Marsh will be at three. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne somewhere in there, and Glenn Maxwell. They've got lots of options."

ICC
 
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India captain Rohit Sharma has reflected on World Cup memories and looked ahead optimistically to a home campaign beginning in October.

While India may not have advanced past the semi-final stage in the last two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups, the skipper believes his side can emulate the 2011 success of his compatriots.

On hand during the Barbados leg of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour, posing with the prize on offer come 19 November, Rohit expressed the importance of measure and patience in India's preparation.

"We are back home again this year, so hopefully we can turn things around," Rohit said.

"It's still a long way to go and we know you can't win the World Cup in one or two days, you've got to play well the entire month, month and a half, and be consistent.

"We are trying everything we can from our perspective to make sure we are ready for that World Cup."

For many, Rohit's input with the bat will be vital during the tournament.

Not only did he top the runs tally at the 2019 event (648 runs at 81) - he plundered five centuries at the tournament - and is under no illusions that for India to fire, he must go close to emulating his success four years ago even in the maelstrom of fanfare and pressure that comes with a home campaign.

"I was in a good mind space (in 2019), I was feeling really good about my cricket, prepared really well before the World Cup and when you’re heading into a tournament like that, all you want to do is start well, mentally and physically fresh and then everything falls into place," Rohit added.

"I started really well in that tournament, got a hundred in the first game, and then for me, it was all about carrying that forward.

"Obviously you take a lot of confidence about what you’ve done in the past, but starting afresh and starting new was very important. I was in a great mind space at that point in time and looking forward to creating that again.”

To find inspiration for the upcoming tournament, Rohit reflected on some of his early World Cup memories, first citing Ajay Jadeja's catch of Allan Border in 1992.

Running and diving to remove the dangerous left-hander, the catch to Rohit symbolises India's move into modern-day limited overs cricket, evolving into the work of Sachin Tendulkar into the early 2000s.

"I remember famously, Ajay Jadeja's catch. I remember that because that actually is stuck in everyone's mind, even now. It took our fielding to the next level," Rohit noted.

"I remember every little moment of all the World Cups. 1999 as well, the first thing that comes to mind is that Herschelle Gibbs catch which cost them the World Cup I believe.

"And then 2003 where India played really well up until the finals. Sachin Tendulkar was amazing with the bat."

The 'It Takes One Day' campaign was launched in Mumbai just 77 days out from the start of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

As for India's victorious 2011 campaign, the victory was somewhat bittersweet for the now-skipper, having to watch from home.

The 36-year-old admits he debated watching the campaign at all after the disappointment of missing out on squad selection, but u-turned knowing how significant a global tournament victory would be for his country and colleagues.

"2011 was the memorable one for all of us, I remember watching it from home, every single match," he said.

"There were two kind of emotions. One obviously I was not part of it so I was a little disappointed and I decided I was not going to watch the World Cup.

"But again the second memory I remember was that India was playing so well. Quarter-finals and onwards, the big quarter-final [semi-final] was against Pakistan and I know how much pressure is on the players when you play all these games, so I can only imagine what each player must have gone through in that time.

"And the semi-final [quarter final] against Australia, it was a brilliant finish by Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) and (Suresh) Raina at the backend."

As for how India will get behind his men, and with a twinkle in his eye glancing at the Cricket World Cup trophy, Rohit knows his side will have the support of an entire nation.

“I know for a fact that every ground, every venue that we will be travelling to will get massive support," Rohit said.

"It's the World Cup, so everyone is looking forward to this and the World Cup coming back to India after 12 years. People are quite excited and we can see the buzz already back home. I’ll be looking forward to playing in all venues.

“I have never seen this trophy from this close. When we won in 2011, I was not a part of the squad, but it is beautiful and has so many memories behind it.”

"Hopefully we can lift it, fingers crossed."

ICC
 
Apart from the world cup In 1987, all others in played in Asia have seen an Asian team in final (Sri Lanka 96), (India and Sri Lanka 2011), so don't see this being any different, at least one of Asian teams will get there again I think.
 
I guess this time India is surely gonna start as an underdog against Pakistan. Hope we would make an upset like 1996 and 1999. I see Pak opening their win register against us in ODI WC this time :(
 
Definitely Pakistan is one the strongest odi team right now where india is struggling .i can see Pakistan win first ever win against india in world Cup
 
India skipper Rohit Sharma admitted to a key issue for the team ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 at home in October-November.

With less than two months to go for the Cricket World Cup, Rohit Sharma admitted that India have unresolved issues with the No.4 spot in ODIs.

The skipper expressed concerns over the key position, stating that "after Yuvi [Yuvraj Singh], nobody has come and settled themselves in". The position was a hot topic for debate ahead of the last fifty-overs World Cup in England as well.

India v Pakistan clash among nine World Cup fixtures rescheduled
“Look, No. 4 has been an issue for us for a long time," Rohit told reporters on the sidelines of a La Liga event in Mumbai, while going on to state that Shreyas Iyer has good numbers at the position.

"For a long period of time, Shreyas (Iyer) has actually batted at No. 4 and he has done well — his numbers are really good.

“Unfortunately, injuries have given him a bit of trouble; he has been out for a while and that is honestly what has happened in the last 4-5 years. A lot of these guys have got injured and you will always see a new guy coming and playing there.

"The percentage of injuries that have happened in the last 4-5 years, it is massive. When the players get injured or are not available, you try doing different things with different players — that is what I have to say about No. 4,” he said.

India have played 11 players at the No.4 position in ODIs since the end of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, with only Iyer and Rishabh Pant batting over 10 times. However, Pant is ruled out of the World Cup while Iyer is yet to return after a back injury.

"There were so many guys who came in and went out. But injuries kept them away or they were not available or someone lost form," the skipper said.

The 'It Takes One Day' campaign was launched in Mumbai just 77 days out from the start of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

"Shreyas and KL are coming off not playing anything for four months, big injuries, surgeries rather. Both had surgeries. I know, I had to undergo surgery once and how it feels afterwards, it is quite tough. We have to see, how they respond, what they do."

Rohit went on to state that no one is an automatic selection for the tournament, including himself, while also mentioning that the selection meeting will be conducted in a few days for the Asia Cup.

"We have got a lot of names there. We will see what is the right combination for us to go in the World Cup but before [that] we have the Asia Cup."

He also hinted that there will be pressure on some of the players to perform at the Asia Cup with World Cup spots up for grabs.

"We will see, we want to win but at the same time there are a lot of questions that we need answers of. But in the Asia Cup, I want to see some of the guys batting under pressure against quality teams.

"I still want to see those things, so we will wait and see what happens, but it is always nice to have a lot of names, rather than just one or two names. I hope they are fit in time – firstly that is the most important."


ICC
 
Aaqib Javed on India's chances in the WC:

"I think Pakistan side is balanced and the age graph of players is much better, India are on that stage where they have big names but their fitness and form is not up to the mark"
 
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Salman Butt speaking on social media:

“There's no chance to make experiments now. Neither of these sides are Australia of the 2000s who can do anything under the sun and still win. They would field new players and win the match, they would play old winners and still win. Both sides aren't like that team, and they know it"

“Their (India and Pakistan) competition is against teams who can be a threat on their days. Australia were miles ahead of any side. Even if they had lost five batters early, they could've still scored 275-300 runs in an innings. It was a dream unit. India and Pakistan aren't dream units"

“India's batting was great under Dhoni. Right now, they have to put up a show; if Rohit or Kohli doesn't score big runs, it becomes hard for them against a good bowling lineup. And Pakistan, on their day, can be a very tough bowling side"
 
Pakistan are definitely the strongest Asian side now. Just remains to be seen whether they can avoid getting bullied by Australia(been happening forever)or can avoid being tactically outplayed by England (WT20 final)

They certainly have the personnel to beat any team. But will Bobby and co. crack under pressure if one if the Aussies go after the bowling or if England choke your batting.

That is where PAK will win or lose it.
 
Technics 1210 said:
India will win the WC, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to remind themselves how BCCI gifted the WC to Tendulkar in 2011 as a thank you for his services to India, you can bet BCCI will do the same for Kohli!
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And you think kohli will retire after this WC ? Never
 
South Africa legend feels overcoming pressure can boost India’s CWC23 chances.

The South Africa batting great feels India has a strong squad but their only worry would be expectations 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 great 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 powerful squad, the Men in Blue might be bothered by the pressure of a home World Cup.

“I think India's squad is incredible, really, really strong. Captain Rohit, Hardik Panday [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 obstacle in my opinion.”

But if they manage to control the same, he expects them to go a long way in the tournament.

“But go fearless. And that is exactly the word I’m talking about. Forget about the pressure of the nation, that’s something you can’t control. Control what you can control. Fearless is the word I'm looking for in the Indian squad. If they can do that, they'll go a long way and most probably lift that trophy.”

Among India's squad members is Suryakumar Yadav, who will have a role to play in the middle-order.

Suryakumar's ODI form has been an enigma. While he took to the T20I format with ease, his ODI numbers have been far from impressive. The Mumbai batter averages 24.33 in the format.

De Villiers believes Suryakumar needed only a tiny mind switch to crack the ODI code.

“I am very relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad, I'm very happy about it. You guys know I'm a big fan [of Suryakumar]. He plays in a similar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he hasn't cracked it yet.

“It is a tiny little mind switch that he's got to make, and he's got all the ability and capabilities that he needs to do that. I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup. I’m not sure [if that will happen] yet. Looking at the balance of the Indian squad, he might not start. But the World Cup is a long tournament. So let's see what happens then.”

India will play two warm-ups against England and Netherlands before the tournament and will kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia on 8 October.

ICC
 
Problem
Technics 1210 said:
India will win the WC, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to remind themselves how BCCI gifted the WC to Tendulkar in 2011 as a thank you for his services to India, you can bet BCCI will do the same for Kohli!
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You think other teams are there just for show?

England, Australia unlike Asian countries don't have quotas or politics to inhibit their selection process. Asian countries tend to adhere to seniority culture which will yet again be the demise of all Asian sides against England and Australia.
 
kron said:
Problem

You think other teams are there just for show?

England, Australia unlike Asian countries don't have quotas or politics to inhibit their selection process. Asian countries tend to adhere to seniority culture which will yet again be the demise of all Asian sides against England and Australia.
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The other teams are indeed here for the show and revenue generation which will benefit BCCI the most, with shrapnel for the rest.

It will be a mere formality, India will win under the Modi government - FACT - put you your house on it.
 
Technics 1210 said:
The other teams are indeed here for the show and revenue generation which will benefit BCCI the most, with shrapnel for the rest.

It will be a mere formality, India will win under the Modi government - FACT - put you your house on it.
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If that were to happen, it really would be a shame. I like to see the game played to its true. Merit.
Last world cup, the way England won was very questionable too. Seems like home teams often get the advantage.
 
kron said:
If that were to happen, it really would be a shame. I like to see the game played to its true. Merit.
Last world cup, the way England won was very questionable too. Seems like home teams often get the advantage.
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At the 11th hour before the 2011 WC final, Sri Lanka's 2 top bowlers of the tournament mysterially were injured. Even Sanga insinuated something wasn't right.

2019 WC final, fact is England did not beat NZ's score and won on an absurd technicality (number of boundaries) which is why 2019 WC win will always have an asterisk.

While 2011 was a farewell gift to Ramesh bhai, 2023 will be the changing of the guard in more ways than one for India.
 
Looking at Pakistan's recent embarrassing Home tours against England and Australia and very average Indian side, he's not wrong. England, Australia have a better chance grabbing the cup. Pakistan will make it to semis I believe, but India likely wouldn't
 
I mean, it's not my aukaat to disagree with a cricketing legend like Sanga but India have to be considered favourites since the WC is in India. That gives them a massive advantage. A case can be made either way for Pakistan but at least India should be considered strong favourites.
 
Shoaib Akhtar:

"We are saying that Pakistan and India are favourites at World Cup. These two, along with Australia and England, will reach the semis. This is not the case. Small teams will trouble. This is anybody's game. Shubman Gill's ton went in vain. India need to wake up. No disrespect but Bangladesh made a statement that they are here to prove a point."
 
MenInG said:
Shoaib Akhtar:

"We are saying that Pakistan and India are favourites at World Cup. These two, along with Australia and England, will reach the semis. This is not the case. Small teams will trouble. This is anybody's game. Shubman Gill's ton went in vain. India need to wake up. No disrespect but Bangladesh made a statement that they are here to prove a point."
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Tbf, India was playing without their main players, but i agree with Akhtar. Dropping just a few players from your 1st string makes you lose to bangaldesh then I would worry.

Indian fans are in over their heads, but pakistani fans are even more over their heads. Both teams need reality checks, but India just need to solve the atrocious lower order problem along with their top order issues as kholi and rohit ain't doing well minus kholi's amazing pak dominance which he always does.

Pakistan need to solve everything from opening to middle order to spin department and even a step by step guide on how not to injure the only 3 beacons of hope you have.
 
GLORY OF '92 said:
Pakistan won't win a WC this decade that's for sure.
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The funny thing is they can, their just playing and grooming the wrong players.

If saim ayub was groomed this year, along with saud and Abdullah then you have a pretty solid top order. Your no 1 to no 4 are pretty well set. Same with tayyab. Tayyab was a natural at playing fast against afghanistan, was horrible against spin, but if groomed he can make a pretty solid no 5.

Haris is a hack but a utility at no 7, however if rizwan is a must play which I disagree with, then rizwan can only function as an opener, and Babar will need the boot.

Babar, Imam, Fakhar and Rizwan, all 4 make fir a disatrous top order. Just a bunch of accumulators with zero impact. Fakhar has an impact but he's done and dusted now.
 
mominsaigol said:
The funny thing is they can, their just playing and grooming the wrong players.

If saim ayub was groomed this year, along with saud and Abdullah then you have a pretty solid top order. Your no 1 to no 4 are pretty well set. Same with tayyab. Tayyab was a natural at playing fast against afghanistan, was horrible against spin, but if groomed he can make a pretty solid no 5.

Haris is a hack but a utility at no 7, however if rizwan is a must play which I disagree with, then rizwan can only function as an opener, and Babar will need the boot.

Babar, Imam, Fakhar and Rizwan, all 4 make fir a disatrous top order. Just a bunch of accumulators with zero impact. Fakhar has an impact but he's done and dusted now.
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And before people attack me saying they ain't the answer. I'm talking about grooming. Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, neither would these lads be built in a day.

But they have high ceilings. Unlike imam who's ceiling leaked. It's also why I still back babar (As a batsmen only, captaincy get rid of it), because babar has improved over the years and his ceiling has not closed yet.
 
MenInG said:
Same for Pakistan in the game against SL also?
Click to expand...
I'm not denying that. I agree we pak is a better team then SL and that India is a better team then Bangaldesh.

But if not having a few players means we are losing to these teams, then do we really deserve to occupy the top 3 spots? Because these aren't pur 2nd string sides, they are our untested bench strength. It's not the same as NZ where they had literally no one besides darly mitchel.
 
Honestly, I’m beginning to think South Africa is a solid dark horse pick.

Great fast bowling, solid spinners, and an extreme explosive batting line up. Could be a touch one to beat and could definitely see them making the semis.
 
mominsaigol said:
The funny thing is they can, their just playing and grooming the wrong players.

If saim ayub was groomed this year, along with saud and Abdullah then you have a pretty solid top order. Your no 1 to no 4 are pretty well set. Same with tayyab. Tayyab was a natural at playing fast against afghanistan, was horrible against spin, but if groomed he can make a pretty solid no 5.

Haris is a hack but a utility at no 7, however if rizwan is a must play which I disagree with, then rizwan can only function as an opener, and Babar will need the boot.

Babar, Imam, Fakhar and Rizwan, all 4 make fir a disatrous top order. Just a bunch of accumulators with zero impact. Fakhar has an impact but he's done and dusted now.
Click to expand...

I mean, why do you even bother watching cricket? I am sure there are 1000 other things you are better at.
 
mominsaigol said:
Tbf, India was playing without their main players, but i agree with Akhtar. Dropping just a few players from your 1st string makes you lose to bangaldesh then I would worry.

Indian fans are in over their heads, but pakistani fans are even more over their heads. Both teams need reality checks, but India just need to solve the atrocious lower order problem along with their top order issues as kholi and rohit ain't doing well minus kholi's amazing pak dominance which he always does.

Pakistan need to solve everything from opening to middle order to spin department and even a step by step guide on how not to injure the only 3 beacons of hope you have.
Click to expand...
Bangladesh was missing as many players as India.
 
Mobashir said:
I mean, why do you even bother watching cricket? I am sure there are 1000 other things you are better at.
Click to expand...
I don't get what you're trying to say? You dont want me to watch a sport I'm interested in? What are you even talking about bro?
 
Mobashir said:
Bangladesh was missing as many players as India.
Click to expand...
Again I don't get your point? I literally said both India and Pakistan are in over their heads lol. But pak is in deeper waters atm, however India is in deep water as well.
 
mominsaigol said:
I don't get what you're trying to say? You dont want me to watch a sport I'm interested in? What are you even talking about bro?
Click to expand...
If you think Babar should be dropped from the ODI side then it may be better if you change your interest. That was just a gentle advise.
 
Mobashir said:
If you think Babar should be dropped from the ODI side then it may be better if you change your interest. That was just a gentle advise.
Click to expand...

Thats not a gentle advice, that's an attacking threat lol, 😂😂. Had hoti hai sentimental bacho ki.

My point was fakhar, Imam, Babar and rizwan. 4 accumulators at the top, it's a recipe for disaster so only one of these lads can play otherwise guarantee we're losing.

And while babar is a good batsmen, not only is he overrated, he's a bunny to quality spin. And guess where he's playing at this world cup? Spin friendly wickets to bowlers such as kuldeep, Adil rasheed, Rashid khan etc.
 
You cannot simply drop your 3 batsmen who or top 10 in rankings. There is no switch button to press to drop these players and include replacement as we don't have any replacement, to be honest. Few changes down the order and change fakhar and we have a squad that can challenge any team in the world. I believe in this team.
 
mominsaigol said:
Tbf, India was playing without their main players, but i agree with Akhtar. Dropping just a few players from your 1st string makes you lose to bangaldesh then I would worry.
Click to expand...
Actually BD all 3 front line seamers didn't play yesterday games + Rahim.. so BDs win shouldn't be discounted..
 
It’s been a nice turnaround for both the brothers of destruction.

Coming right back into contention just at the right time
 
Bharat & Pakistan on their way to prove Sanga wrong
 
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Bhaijaan said:
Bharat & Pakistan on their way to prove Sanga wrong
Click to expand...
Bharat are very much on their way to win the World Cup but Pakistan have a lot of work to do. I hope they can bounce back against Australia this Friday and beat them that will give them a great boost and confidence going into the next games.
 
hassan918 said:
Bharat are very much on their way to win the World Cup but Pakistan have a lot of work to do. I hope they can bounce back against Australia this Friday and beat them that will give them a great boost and confidence going into the next games.
Click to expand...

Bro, Pakistan might go undefeated in the entire tournament now.

People are overreacting to the Bharat defeat. We have your number
 
the last three hosts have won the world cup
Not sure what sangakara has been watching, india look indomitable at the moment

Looks like we might see an afg-dia final
 
Technics 1210 said:
India will win the WC, and anyone who thinks otherwise needs to remind themselves how BCCI gifted the WC to Tendulkar in 2011 as a thank you for his services to India, you can bet BCCI will do the same for Kohli!
Click to expand...
Didn't Kohli win the WC in 2011 itself? Why didn't BCCI give a farewell gift to MSD in 2019? How come BCCI kept quiet when Pakistan won the Ct 2017? Also kindly enlighten us who in the Indian team in 2007 was gifted the 2007 t20 WC? Which again begs the question why Ganguly and Dravid didn't get WCs in 2007? For whom did BCCi gift the 2013 CT in Indian team?

Since you are an expert I am sure you can share your pearls of wisdom to us lesser mortals.
 
ex-q-zit said:
Didn't Kohli win the WC in 2011 itself? Why didn't BCCI give a farewell gift to MSD in 2019? How come BCCI kept quiet when Pakistan won the Ct 2017? Also kindly enlighten us who in the Indian team in 2007 was gifted the 2007 t20 WC? Which again begs the question why Ganguly and Dravid didn't get WCs in 2007? For whom did BCCi gift the 2013 CT in Indian team?

Since you are an expert I am sure you can share your pearls of wisdom to us lesser mortals.
Click to expand...
Oh man, Kohli was a nobody in 2011! Stop pretending 2011 wasn't about Tendulkar.

MSD had all the parting gifts, 2 WCs and a CT by 2019.

BCCI didn't keep quiet after CT17, they begged the ICC to reinstate the Champions Trophy tournament after a humiliating defeat against Pakistan.

Even a child knows this stuff!

BCCI run by Jay Shah, will ensure India win the world cup by any means necessary, including denying opposition fan tickets, and visas with the help of his daddy at RSS.

Jeez.
 
Technics 1210 said:
Oh man, Kohli was a nobody in 2011! Stop pretending 2011 wasn't about Tendulkar.

MSD had all the parting gifts, 2 WCs and a CT by 2019.

BCCI didn't keep quiet after CT17, they begged the ICC to reinstate the Champions Trophy tournament after a humiliating defeat against Pakistan.

Even a child knows this stuff!

BCCI run by Jay Shah, will ensure India win the world cup by any means necessary, including denying opposition fan tickets, and visas with the help of his daddy at RSS.

Jeez.
Click to expand...
So how did India win the 2007 t20 WC? I am sure you will also have some twisted logic for the 1983 win as well. How did home sides end up winning in 2015 and 2019? How come BCCI let Pakistan win over India in the final of CT 2017. If they are so influential how ill they accept dfeat at the hands of their arch rivals?

If I am right o nly Pakistani fans were given tickets or are all opposition fans denied tickets this WC. So by your logic if Paks fans are given tickets India wouldn't have won the match nor have a chance winning the WC.

Please share some more perals of wisdom.
 
You should be happy that India will win this WC, after all, there is a General Election in 2024, and Jay Shah is running a political campaign with this WC. What better way to unite the nation and garner votes than through a WC win.

Do not compare 2015 and 2019 with this debacle of a WC. The previous 2 WCs were at least a level playing field, and the crowds and fans - from both sides - were packing the stadiums that were not falling apart, in a free and fair WC. There was no need of any orchestration, for the sake of a political campaign.
 
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I don't think we are still favorites. Like every other side India also has some chink. The issue when that chink flares up. If it flares up at the wrong time they are toast. India's customary ICC tournament top order collapse happened right at the top. India somehow escaped due to chasing of low total. Hope that is the only collapse. If there is no drop in quality from top order and bowling they have a chance to go all the way if not win. But that is too much of an ask.
 
One of India/Australia is most likely winning this Cup. All others have too many flaws to be honest. Saffers look the strongest skill-wise but no experience/choking is a BIG hurdle for them.

Even if both India and Australia don't make the final, whoever makes the final wins. Between the 2 , it's hard to call but Australia will have the edge because India's bowling allrounder balance might cost us more than their batting allrounder balance.

Still. Too close to call.
 
jnaveen1980 said:
I don't think we are still favorites. Like every other side India also has some chink. The issue when that chink flares up. If it flares up at the wrong time they are toast. India's customary ICC tournament top order collapse happened right at the top. India somehow escaped due to chasing of low total. Hope that is the only collapse. If there is no drop in quality from top order and bowling they have a chance to go all the way if not win. But that is too much of an ask.
Click to expand...
Massive dependence also on Rohit blasting the confidence out of the opening bowlers.
 
jnaveen1980 said:
If Pakistan qualifies Sangakkara will have egg on his face.
Click to expand...
Stil doesn't make Pak the favorites. Be it Pak or NZ as the last semi finalist, neither is a favorite. I think Aussies are the fav followed by India. If SA wins both tosses they can be fav too.
 
Technics 1210 said:
You should be happy that India will win this WC, after all, there is a General Election in 2024, and Jay Shah is running a political campaign with this WC. What better way to unite the nation and garner votes than through a WC win.

Do not compare 2015 and 2019 with this debacle of a WC. The previous 2 WCs were at least a level playing field, and the crowds and fans - from both sides - were packing the stadiums that were not falling apart, in a free and fair WC. There was no need of any orchestration, for the sake of a political campaign.
Click to expand...
I think you have no knowledge of Indian politics. Elections will have no bearing on World cup results. India has been playing on 9 different pitches this world cup. More than any other team. They won batting first and also chasing. India also seems to be on the receiving end of a lot of bad decisions. So many umpire calls going against India and even straight decisions aren't being given out. Thanks to DRS, there is some fairness.
 
Well you can say that for pakistan but not for India for sure!

They are in super hot form and it looks like nobody can stop India to lift the trophy this time.
 
Sanga got it wrong obviously.

Having said that, I think Aussies may win the cup eventually.
 
Reading through this thread is a little funny, especially all those who were billing England as favourites. Safe to say their capitulation has shocked everyone, they were in everyone's semi finals list (including mine) before the tournament started.

Wouldn't have expected Sanga to not have india as favourites either, seeing as the home side won the last 3 WCs. Just goes to show you that foreign players can play as much IPL as they want, but in the end no one will know pitches like the native players do.
 
All the Pak supporters here grudgingly acknowledge Ind has been the best team so far in the WC and fave to win it as well. But if heaven forbid Ind lose the sf or final - the crescendo and meltdown here will be insane LOL ! They will pile up on Ind cricket team! 😂
 
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