Excitement builds as the 50-over World Cup returns to India after 12 years, with the ICC announcing the fixtures that have already set fans into a frenzy. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15 has garnered significant attention. As experts of the game begin predicting favorites for the tournament, former India batter and 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth suggests that India, Australia, and defending champions England will be the teams to watch out for.

“India are one of the favorites. There’s an Australian team which is also a good side. And so are England. And I believe, Australia have played in India too. So, I’d say, India, Australia, and England out of these three, one would probably win the cup,” Srikkanth told India Today.

Kris Srikkanth did not include Pakistan in his list of favorites, citing their lack of recent exposure to Indian conditions compared to the familiarity of English and Australian players.

ALSO READ: India and England to Clash In Warm-up Match For World Cup In Thiruvananthapuram

“I’m not ruling them out. I would like to see what kind of team they will select, which is the most important thing. Pakistan have always fought well in India. The last time when they played in the 2011 World Cup in India, they lost to the hosts in the semi-finals. I’m not ruling them out, but they are used to the subcontinent conditions, but they have not played in Indian conditions for a long time. And that’s why I’m talking of Australia and England because they have played in India quite regularly. Thus, I believe they have better chances,” he added.

Kris Srikkanth, who was the chief selector in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup on home soil, emphasized the importance of all-rounders in winning the tournament. He highlighted the role of Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 edition and believes that players like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will play crucial roles for India in the upcoming World Cup.

ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Confident In Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy For India’s World Cup Campaign

“The sub-continent conditions; some of the wickets will turn a lot, it won’t be bouncy, and it won’t be moving as it’s in Australia. The conditions will be familiar, and that’s the biggest advantage for India. In 2011, we saw some fantastic all-rounders coming into play, and the team was very well led by Dhoni too, and at that time, we had a Yuvraj Singh. So, I think Jadeja will do what Yuvraj Singh did in the 2011 World Cup. So, I think Jadeja, Axar Patel… all these players will play a crucial role if India has to win the World Cup,” said Kris Srikkanth.