With the ODI World Cup 2023 just a day away, all eyes are on the Indian team as the Men in Blue enter this tournament as one of the favourites. Further, with the tournament hosted by India, the pressure is on Rohit Sharma and Co. to finally bring back the coveted ICC trophy. But before this marquee tournament, Men in Blue will be bringing the demons from the previous two World Cups.
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In both these previous editions, India bowed out in the semi-final after an incredible performance in the group stage. In 2019, after a dominating run, Virat Kohli’s men fell short in the semi-final after a collapse which cost the team the win. Then in 2015, another near-perfect performance, concluding with a blow-out semi-final defeat.
But in 2023, the tides could turn in India’s favour and allow Rohit Sharma to lift the trophy and end the 10-year drought of no ICC trophies. Here in this article, SportsTiger looks into why Team India could win the World Cup.
Home Advantage
Playing at home will be Team India’s biggest advantage throughout this tournament and could finally allow the Men in Blue to win the World Cup. Since 2011, the team hosting the World Cup has gone on to win the tournament. Playing at home, especially in high-pressure situations, can allow teams to not worry about the playing conditions and rather play freely. Similarly, India’s record at home exudes dominance with 18 wins and five losses over the last three years, setting them to lift the trophy this time around.
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Fearless cricketers
Ahead of the 2023 World Cup, India’s most in-form player is opening batter Shubman Gill, who has had a dream 2023 so far with 1230 runs and five centuries. Gill has garnered this reputation of taking the game to the opposition, something the Indian team has lacked in ICC tournaments. But this time, the Men in Blue have some of these fearless players, who wouldn’t be affected by pressure. Like Gill, the team has other names like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who can bail India out of trouble by counter-attacking in critical situations.
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In-form veteran stars
Rounding off the list, India’s veteran stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami have found form at the right time. All three of these names have carried Indian cricket through the previous decade but as time passes, the 2023 World Cup could be the last for these players. In 2023, Kohli (612 runs) and Rohit (653 runs) have reinstated their names as two of the best white ball players in the world after a poor few last years while Shami with a tally of 19 wickets has strengthened India’s bowling depth.
