In the run-up to the eagerly awaited ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, former Indian opener and a crucial member of the team that won the 2011 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir, has offered his thoughts on what might prove to be the turning point for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team. Gautam Gambhir believes that India’s World Cup hopes would be determined by their opening game against the powerful Australian team on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The southpaw’s viewpoint is strongly influenced by India’s previous World Cup victories. India defeated Australia in the semifinal match that year, when they won the coveted title. Similar to this, India defeated Australia in a crucial quarterfinal match during their successful 2011 campaign. The 41-year-old reaffirmed further,
“Look, I’ve always stated that you must defeat Australia if you want to win the World Cup, and there is no question about it. We overcame Australia in the World Cup semifinals in 2007, the year we won. We defeated Australia in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2011, the year we won.
On the Star Sport Star Cast expert programme “Mission World Cup,” Gautam Gambhir asserted that Australia is the strongest side in each ICC event.
“Australia and India would be an incredible final,” says Shane Watson of the World Cup finals.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson also had something to say about the 2023 ICC World Cup finals. Watson, a cricket expert, is looking forward to a titanic match between Australia and India. He acknowledged the talent of the Australian team, saying that despite certain uncertainties, they have the ability to perform well in important games.
The 42-year-old also praised the Indian team, highlighting their top-order batting and their bowlers’ excellent performance. The Queensland-born player thought that India, which has home-field advantage and a strong lineup that includes their top-order hitters, has what it takes to win the championship. On the same episode, he stated, “In my opinion,
“With the players Australia has, I’m definitely going to support them. They obviously know how to step up in these big games, but they do have a few questions going into 2018 World Cup. “And India, being at home, would know the conditions better than anyone, and their bowlers are clearly on fire right now,” he continued. India can therefore definitely win the war with their firepower, especially with their top order. Australia and India would therefore make a fantastic final, in my opinion.
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