Sourav Ganguly's 2019 World Cup semi-final picks: India, Pakistan, Australia and England

[Zeeraq]

The current Indian team's strength makes them "favourites" going into any competition leave alone World Cup where they are sureshot semifinalists alongside Australia, England and Pakistan.

The former India captain, who led the team to the 2003 World Cup finals expects that current round robin format will be one of the most "keenly contested" tournament.

"My pick for the four semifinalists spot would be India, Australia, England and Pakistan. India are one of the title-contenders of course," Ganguly told PTI in an interview.

Ten teams will be competing in the ODI cricket's quadrennial extravaganza in a round robin format where every team plays each other before the semifinals.

"It's going to be one of the most keenly contested World Cups. Indian team is so strong that in any tournament they will be favourites. This World Cup will probably be the best format. The best four teams will reach the semi-finals playing all the teams. There are no easy teams," said Ganguly.

Kuldeep Yadav's four wickets in nine games is not something that will affect his performance in the World Cup.

"He will get wickets in the World Cup, don't worry. He's a superb bowler," Ganguly said without reading much into Kuldeep's below-par show for KKR.

The Prince of Kolkata is now playing a pivotal role in the turnaround of Delhi Capitals in search of an elusive IPL title.

"I don't see the challenges as tough, I just find a way to try and make it work. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. It's a great honour to help these players and turn around a team which has not done well in the past," the Delhi Capitals advisor said.

Delhi Capitals are occupying second place behind Chennai Super Kings in the leaderboard as they need one win from three matches to seal their playoff berth.

"Delhi is a mixture of youth and experience. I can only advice so the credit should go to players who actually execute it."

The team has two legends at the helm with Ganguly working alongside his former Aussie counterpart Ricky Ponting who is the head coach of the franchise.

"We are great friends for a long period of time. I was the runners-up in the (2003) World Cup which he had won. He has great experience. It's been a pleasure working with him. The way he adjusts to player's needs is a remarkable experience. He's a fantastic coach," Ganguly said showering praise on Ponting.

Asked about the glitz and glamour of the IPL, Ganguly said: "IPL is pure sport. The glitz and glamour is just 15 per cent. 85% is actually professional, hard cricket. Players are under enormous pressure to perform.

https://www.business-standard.com/a...tan-australia-and-england-119042500927_1.html

 

[BaankeJi]

It will be NZ in place of Australia.

 

[ahmedzee]

I think it will be NZ in place of Pakistan.
Don't know what ganguly is smoking. Pakistan has the worst record in ODIs among all teams since Jan 2018.

 

[troodon]

Australia, WI, England will be there.

The 4th spot will be a fight between NZ/India/Pak.

Indian team is as overrated as it gets. Rohit is in pathetic form. Kohli is okay. Dhawan is in good nick. Our middle order is cringeworthy. Our tail cannot hold the bat. In bowling, Outside of Bumrah and Shami, no bowler inspires confidence. Kuldeep's confidence is at an all time low. Chahal is a dud. When he is under pump, he completely falls apart.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Australia, WI, England will be there.

The 4th spot will be a fight between NZ/India/Pak.

Indian team is as overrated as it gets. Rohit is in pathetic form. Kohli is okay. Dhawan is in good nick. Our middle order is cringeworthy. Our tail cannot hold the bat. In bowling, Outside of Bumrah and Shami, no bowler inspires confidence. Kuldeep's confidence is at an all time low. Chahal is a dud. When he is under pump, he completely falls apart.

Are you the type of guy who just talks smack about themselves just so others can praise them?

 

[Ronaldo7]

I think it will be NZ in place of Pakistan.
Don't know what ganguly is smoking. Pakistan has the worst record in ODIs among all teams since Jan 2018.

And nz lost against Ind 4-1 at home and drew 1-1 in the UAE. So he's not smoking anything. It's a pretty accurate prediction.

 

[Chokli]

England
India
Australia
Pakistan

India
England
Australia
Pakistan


It'll either be

Pakistan Vs India
or
Pakistan vs England

in the Semi Finals

Finals is definitely going to be

Pakistan Vs Australia

We have to right the wrong of 1999

 

[troodon]

Are you the type of guy who just talks smack about themselves just so others can praise them?

No. I am telling you the facts. This Indian team does not inspire any confidence. A very old team with no big hitters in their ranks barring Pandya. Our tail is deplorable.

 

[Hyperion66]

WI and NZ has better chances reaching semis than Pak and SA imo. Hoping for a Ind v Aus final, we have got scores to settle.

 

[Chokli]

No. I am telling you the facts. This Indian team does not inspire any confidence. A very old team with no big hitters in their ranks barring Pandya. Our tail is deplorable.

Dhawan, Rohit, Kohli, Dhoni, Rahul, Jadav, Pandya

That's a gun line-up mate.

They'll do well, stop underestimating your team.

Shubman, Shaw, Iyer, Pant etc will have their chance

 

[Chokli]

WI and NZ has better chances reaching semis than Pak and SA imo. Hoping for a Ind v Aus final, we have got scores to settle.

your scores are already settled after the ODI & Test series victories.

It's Pakistan that has to right the wrong of 1999

 

[The_Odd_One]

NZ is a much better ODI team than Pakistan and their recent head to head results show the same. However, they have the tendency to lose a game to sides like Bangladesh. However, they should still be able to win more group games than Pakistan.

 

[Ronaldo7]

WI and NZ has better chances reaching semis than Pak and SA imo. Hoping for a Ind v Aus final, we have got scores to settle.

Nz have a higher chance but not WI.

 

[Ronaldo7]

your scores are already settled after the ODI & Test series victories.

It's Pakistan that has to right the wrong of 1999

Same venue as well.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

your scores are already settled after the ODI & Test series victories.

It's Pakistan that has to right the wrong of 1999

Those were against Aus C so doesn't matter much. We have to take revenge of 2003 World Cup Final and 2015 World Cup Semi Final from Australia and 2017 CT Final from Pakistan.

 

[Chokli]

Those were against Aus C so doesn't matter much. We have to take revenge of 2003 World Cup Final and 2015 World Cup Semi Final from Australia and 2017 CT Final from Pakistan.

You can take revenge in 2023 and 2027, normally the chance for revenge comes after 20 or so years.

It's our turn now.

First Semi final victory over India

and then Final victory over Australia

 

[Ronaldo7]

You can take revenge in 2023 and 2027, normally the chance for revenge comes after 20 or so years.

It's our turn now.

First Semi final victory over India

and then Final victory over Australia

Lol. How sweet would that be.
Revenge for 1999 and 2011 in the same world cup. This is what sweet dreams are made of.

 

[Chokli]

Lol. How sweet would that be.
Revenge for 1999 and 2011 in the same world cup. This is what sweet dreams are made of.

I think that is what is written in the stars. I can feel it

 

[ahmedzee]

And nz lost against Ind 4-1 at home and drew 1-1 in the UAE. So he's not smoking anything. It's a pretty accurate prediction.

Pakistan lost to Aus 5-0 at home, lost to BD and Ind in asia cup, lost to NZ and SA ....i can go on and on. As mentioned numerous times, Pakistan will manage to beat 3 weak teams in this world cup, and that would be it. If ganguly said NZ or SA as semi finalist i would've termed his statement as "accurate". At the moment it isn't.

 

[Mp812]

Lol. How sweet would that be.
Revenge for 1999 and 2011 in the same world cup. This is what sweet dreams are made of.

dreams is the keyword

 

[Hasan123]

Lol don’t get where these experts get their optimism about our chances at the WC.

 

[JattMaula]

All this talk of settling scores is getting me pumped up!!!!!

I'm yet to forget my first tournament in 03. Ponting crushed my dreams.

 

[Hyperion66]

your scores are already settled after the ODI & Test series victories.

It's Pakistan that has to right the wrong of 1999

Ek 11 saal ka bachha bohat roya tha 2003 ke final ke baad. Tum group ke match me hara dena, final me toh unhe humse hi harni hai. Kapil ka, Sachin ka, dada ka sabka badla lega apna Kohli

 

[Hyperion66]

Nz have a higher chance but not WI.

Bhai take a look at their line-up, they have some of the most talented batsmen around, if they are motivated enough to play like a proper team for a change then they could dismantle teams for fun. You should be worried, you never know which Windies will show up in your very first match.

 

[OmaIR1]

India, Australia, New Zealang and WI/SA

 

[Hyperion66]

All this talk of settling scores is getting me pumped up!!!!!

I'm yet to forget my first tournament in 03. Ponting crushed my dreams.

Next day Maths ka exam tha mera, aanda laya toh baap ne Ponting ki tarha dhoya tha merko, darkest day of my life

 

[aloo paratha]

1.India
2.England
3.New Zealand
4.Pakistan/Australia

 

[Ronaldo7]

Bhai take a look at their line-up, they have some of the most talented batsmen around, if they are motivated enough to play like a proper team for a change then they could dismantle teams for fun. You should be worried, you never know which Windies will show up in your very first match.

I am worried because it's going to be a belter but that doesn't change the fact that WI don't really have a strong bowling lineup also their batting is hit or miss. These types of teams usually don't consistently perform.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Pakistan lost to Aus 5-0 at home, lost to BD and Ind in asia cup, lost to NZ and SA ....i can go on and on. As mentioned numerous times, Pakistan will manage to beat 3 weak teams in this world cup, and that would be it. If ganguly said NZ or SA as semi finalist i would've termed his statement as "accurate". At the moment it isn't.

Lost to SA in SA but it was a close series. We didn't lose to NZ (it was 1-1). As for the asia cup, the conditions are going to be a lot different. Why even mention the Aus series? Only 2/3 players from that team are going to play for us in the actual world cup.

 

[Hyperion66]

I am worried because it's going to be a belter but that doesn't change the fact that WI don't really have a strong bowling lineup also their batting is hit or miss. These types of teams usually don't consistently perform.

You sure you are describing Windies not Pak?

 

[Ronaldo7]

You sure you are describing Windies not Pak?

I described Wi perfectly. Their bowling isn't strong and their batting is hit or miss. Don't see what I said wrong.

 

[Hyperion66]

I described Wi perfectly. Their bowling isn't strong and their batting is hit or miss. Don't see what I said wrong.

You perhaps didn't get my point, all I am trying to say is Pak as a team is as much of a hit or miss as Windies if not more, you have better bowlers (on paper) and they have some of the most feared batsmen in the world. I don't see how you can consider Pak clear favorite against them.

 

[Saj]

Fair shout by Ganguly.

I think NZ could surprise a few people though.

 

[gazza619]

It would be an absolute miracle for NZ to not make it to the semis.

My pick NZ, Aus, Ind & Pak

I think England are going to bottle it..,

 

[Ronaldo7]

You perhaps didn't get my point, all I am trying to say is Pak as a team is as much of a hit or miss as Windies if not more, you have better bowlers (on paper) and they have some of the most feared batsmen in the world. I don't see how you can consider Pak clear favorite against them.

Definitely not clear favourites. But most would consider pak favourites over wi to make the semis.

 

[hitthestump]

Pakistan will be taking the weakest top 6 into a tournament with the flattest ODI pitches in the world. They cannot compete when 320+ will be par.

England, India, NZ, AUS/SA are my picks.

The rest may spring the odd surprise but won't have the consistency to reach the top 4.

 

[Ronaldo7]

It would be an absolute miracle for NZ to not make it to the semis.

My pick NZ, Aus, Ind & Pak

I think England are going to bottle it..,

I think one out of aus, ind, and Eng is going to mess it up. Either due to some washed out games or just losing easy points (like eng losing to wi or pak).

 

[topspin]

England, India, Australia and NZ are the four teams expected to make the semis but there's always one upset. However I don't think Pakistan has the team to pounce on any opportunities, if any of these four sides perform below expectations.

WI for me are the dark horses with their firepower in the batting line up and SA are still a good side, so can't rule them out of making the semis.

Don't expect Pakistan to finish higher than 6th - I predict 5 wins and 4 losses as follows:

Vs Aus/Eng/Ind/NZ - Will win one game
vs SA - Win (have the wood over SA of late in ICC Comps.)
vs WI - Loss (WI batting will be too strong on a batting paradise at Trent Bridge)
Vs Afg, Ban & SL - 3 x wins

 

[Hyperion66]

Definitely not clear favourites. But most would consider pak favourites over wi to make the semis.

Fair enough.

 

[light]

Are you the type of guy who just talks smack about themselves just so others can praise them?

Majority of the indians have been singing the same song. Where have you been?
We rely on top 3 to get some decent score, two out of our top 3 is out of form. We have a Keeper batsmen who doesn't warrant a spot in the team. Middle order is mostly miss. Lower order has Jadeja to fill up the spot with his 80 SR. He is not wrong about his statement.

 

[NoBallZombie]

I think it is a very interesting statement coming from Ganguly. If we try to analyse his comment, I think most of us would agree on atleast the top 2 out of the 4 he has mentioned namely India and England. If we ignore any other factors such as age, form etc., these 2 teams are very strong on paper and would be on most people's list. The third team he has got is Australia. I believe that the Aussies have a fair chance along with the Kiwis. Before Warner and Smith had been selected, it would have been fair to say they would fight it out with other contenders for the 4th spot but with these 2 back, I think they are much more stronger than Kiwis. Another reason for choosing them may be their "experience" in world cups as a team. For me Australia is a safe bet. Now the 4th option was always going to be debatable. It could have been any of these teams:

1. Pakistan.
2. Kiwis
3. Windies


Windies and Pakistan because on their day, they can either be world beaters or can surrender meekly. Anyone who chooses either of these would probably be a risk taker! The safest bet (according to me) would be to go for Kiwis who have a fairly settled team and have most basis covered. One of the above teams can easily be replaced by South Africa but I feel it is their most inexperienced/ unsettled squad in a world cup and given their history of ... .ummm .. "choking", they may not make it to the semis.

So in conclusion, I think Ganguly has played it really safe here. He has selected the 2 top teams with India and England, taken the safer route with Aussies and added a tinge of risk with Pakistan in there.

 

[J-Essence]

Aussies will be taking this one again.. they always peak at the right time.

India chances depend on how well they manage the english conditions.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Don't know why all experts giving edge to Pakistan

 

[giri26]

Sourav going for the popular choices. I think people can underestimate SA, NZ and WI at their own peril. SA for the first time aren't one of the favourites to reach the knockouts, probably something which will take the pressure off them this time?

New Zealand have always done well in the World Cup and they were the finalists last time. They have a good balanced squad and will be tough to beat.

West Indies have a good team as well and with Gayle in great form and having a formidable bowling attack, they cannot be taken lightly as well.

 

[PakPremi]

Unfortunately due to some selection blunders like not selecting a good potent off spinner and Musa(8n place off Hasnain), as well a good lower order batsman like Saud we will be unlikely to make the semis. The 4th spot would be South Africa or New Zealand (even though in last series Pak were the better team and results would have been in favour of Pak but for the rain in both series).

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Don't know why all experts giving edge to Pakistan

Pakistan always expected to take the edge because of the bowling that they can bring in to the tournament... Even though the pitches are road these days, good bowling remains to be good on any platter...Normally pak goes into WC tourneys with good bowling unit, except the 2007 and 2015 CWC even then wahab turned it on in the 2015 CWC. They would have gone in with more stronger bowling lineup in 2015 if Ajmal and Hafeez werent banned..

I think only because of the bowling they are always adjudged to be one to look for as a surprise package which has the potential to go deeper in the tourney, but definitely not as favorites...

 

[Rightarmfast]

I think that is what is written in the stars. I can feel it

I hope you take your revenge bro. Coz somehow I dont see myself watching cricket in 2049, incase it actually takes 20 yrs for revenge to take form

 

[MenInG]

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his confidence in India at the 2019 World Cup, but tempered that with a note of caution: with the competition growing tighter and just 10 teams vying for the trophy in England and Wales, it will not be too easy for the Men in Blue.

“I am very, very confident in our squad and I think Indian cricket will always be strong,” Ganguly said on Tuesday. “This team under Virat [Kohli] is a very strong team. And a team which has players like Kohli, Rohit [Sharma], [Shikhar] Dhawan, [Jasprit] Bumrah, [Hardik] Pandya or M. S. Dhoni has to be a side to watch out for,” he added.

'No easy names'

“All of them [are India’s main opposition team] actually. It will be a fantastic World Cup. There are no easy names. This format was put into play last time in 1992 when everyone played everyone and the best ones went on to qualify. This format will bring the best out of everyone,” Ganguly said. “They are all strong teams. A couple of years ago it was different. Now, West Indies is strong. Australia is back to where they were. India is strong... New Zealand is strong.”

Ganguly believes that Pakistan, too, is a team to look out for at the World Cup, despite the 5-0 beating that Pakistan received at the hands of Australia in the United Arab Emirates in March. “Pakistan always had good bowling skills and it becomes better in England. You see the Champions Trophy. They have gone to a World Cup final, too, in England.”

'Cannot predict too early'

The former India skipper, however, declined to make any predictions. “Hopefully [India wins the World Cup]. You cannot predict too early. We have the talent and we have the stride. It is all about the form of the players when the tournament starts now,” he said.

Ganguly also expressed his satisfaction with the squad picked by the Board of Control for Control in India, adding that Rishabh Pant, who was excluded from 15-man team but later named among four standbys, should not be bothered by not making the cut. “He will play many more World Cups. This is just the beginning; he shouldn’t worry.”

On life after retiring from the game, Ganguly says it is very different when one has to stay away from the game. “It had been six years. This is the real stuff. It is about competitiveness, tension and skills. Nothing can be compared to this,” he said.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...anguly-india-rishabh-pant/article26994583.ece

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

I think SG is fairly accurate....Pak have always done well in ICC tourneys in Eng...I think 4 semi finalists will be Ind, NZ, Pak and SA....i think eng are gonna choke and fall over home pressure, Aus r gonna bomb out.....and once the semis knockout stage starts, its pressure and anyones game....and pak generally peak at such stages....however Ind should put it across all this time....

 

[Smbhayi]

with their bowling attack England not gonna reach semi's.. prime example is RCB..

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Lol. How sweet would that be.
Revenge for 1999 and 2011 in the same world cup. This is what sweet dreams are made of.

Suffice to say if Sarfraz of all people manages to take "this team" to the title, he will eclipse Imran Khan as best ever captain of Pakistan.

 

[pratiktc]

IMO, a lot of Pak's chances will depend on how they go against WI in their first game. If they start well, it can be a huge confidence booster for bigger games.

 

[shaaik]

Sourav Ganguly Reveals Why Pakistan Are One Of The Favourites For World Cup 2019

Pakistan defeated India in the final of 2017 Champions Trophy and before that they won 2009 T20 World Cup, both played in England.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly thinks that Pakistan will enter World Cup 2019 as one of the favourites as they have remarkable record playing in England, especially during ICC events. That is the reason why he picked Pakistan alongside India, hosts England and Australia to reach the semifinal of the marquee tournament. England has always been a happy hunting ground for Pakistan during world tournaments. Their recent success in multi-nation tournament in England came when they defeated India in the final of 2017 Champions Trophy.


"Pakistan's record in world tournaments in England is remarkable. They won the Champions Trophy two years ago, they won the 2009 World T20 in England," Ganguly told PTI on the sidelines of a promotional programme.

Ganguly also cited the recent example of Pakistan's second ODI against England, in which they almost chased down a mammoth 374 before going down by only 12 runs.

"Pakistan always play well in England. You see the last game in England. England got 374 and Pakistan just lost by 12 runs. They also beat England in England in Test matches there because of their bowling lineup."

Ganguly, however, was quick to add that Virat Kohli's men should not be wary of Pakistan and they would prove to be strong contenders.

"I don't believe in records. Both of them will have to play well on that particular day. India will be a very good side. They will be very hard to beat. Team which has the likes of Kohli, Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan can't be weak."

Royal Challengers Bangalore's repeated failures in the Indian Premier League have put the spotlight on Kohli's leadership skills but Ganguly said Indian captaincy is a different ball game. He insisted that Virat Kohli's IPL captaincy will not have an impact in the World Cup as he enjoys a good record as an ODI skipper.

"Don't compare Virat Kohli's IPL captaincy record with that of India. His captaincy records for India is very good actually. He's got him in his team as the vice-captain. Dhoni is there. So he's well supported," said Ganguly.

Starting as one of the favourites, India would be under tremendous pressure but Ganguly felt it would bring out the best from Kohli and Co.

"So it's good that India is under pressure, every other team in the World Cup will be under pressure. You don't want to turn up like a Nepal or an Ireland where the entire world thinks that you're not going to win.

"You rather turn up like an India or an Australia or an England where everybody says this team is going to win the World Cup. So Virat, probably being the best player of the world at the moment, is as much under pressure as anybody else and that will be good for him because he will turn up, work hard, he will be pumped and get India going."

Ganguly said it would be an interesting World Cup as all 10 teams will play each other before the best four qualify for the knockouts.

"It's a great World Cup because all 10 teams play against each other and the best four qualify. There are strong teams and you realise England, Pakistan, West Indies all can win.

"So it's good that India is under pressure because it will help them perform and it's going to be exciting 55 days of cricket," Ganguly said.

https://sports.ndtv.com/world-cup-2...e-of-the-favourites-in-world-cup-2019-2037662

 

[asfandyar]

Funny how SA are not in anyone's predictions because of their choking past. Final 4 = India, Australia, England and South Africa. First time SA is going into a tournament as an underdog (in the recent past), and I have a hunch they will win this one.

 

[BD-fan]

Guptil, Ross Taylor, Williamson will take a note of this. So will Du Plessie.

 

[Ab Fan]

Pakistan will win IMO although the streak will continue for India.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Not sure gangulys horoscopes are working for him this year

 

[Mueez]

Pakistan will win IMO although the streak will continue for India.

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