The 2023 ODI World Cup is just around the corner, and cricket experts are predicting India to be the team to beat. Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently tweeted that the team that beats India could go on to win the title, and now former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has echoed those sentiments.
“India are the only one in world cricket to have this ultimate rise. Everyone is talking about four teams to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup. However, what I believe is that the team that beats India will win the World Cup. India are the best team. Their batting is complete, and their bowling is most suitable to these conditions. Unless they themselves make mistakes, it is unlikely that any team will be even near them,” Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel.
Butt also praised the significant improvements in India’s cricketing environment over the last few years. He highlighted the improved fitness levels and fielding standards of Indian players, as well as the country’s top-notch cricket infrastructure, commentators, experts, and kits.
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“India have improved significantly over the past few years. The fitness levels of these players are far better than what we say 15 years back. Similarly, the fielding standards have also improved. From infrastructure to commentators to experts to their kit, everything related to cricket in India is top-notch,” Salman Butt added.
India will enter the ODI World Cup as the No. 1-ranked side in all three formats of the game. Their campaign in the 10-team tournament begins with a clash against five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8. India’s all-around strength is what makes them the team to beat at the ODI World Cup.
They have a complete batting lineup with the ability to score big runs on any pitch. Their bowling attack is also well-suited to the conditions in India, with a mix of pace and spin. However, India will need to avoid making mistakes if they want to win the title. They have a tendency to choke in big tournaments, and they will need to be mentally tough if they want to go all the way.
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In addition to India, there are a few other teams that could challenge for the title at the ODI World Cup. England, Australia, and New Zealand are all strong teams with world-class players. However, India will be the favorite to win the tournament, and they will be tough to beat if they play to their potential.