As anticipation builds for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, cricket experts and former players are sharing their insights and expectations for the tournament. Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody and former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar provided valuable perspectives on India’s prospects in the competition. Moody said that India’s chances of winning the World Cup will depend on the fitness of key players, particularly bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

“I think a lot of it depends on the fitness and longevity of Bumrah. I think he holds such an important key for India because he has such high quality and impacts the game early and also closes the innings. And I see that it’s basically going to be a difficult World Cup with regards to making sure that you keep your bowlers fit. It’s a long campaign, but India certainly have got the diversity in their side. It’s just the case of them making sure they have their key players fit, particularly their bowlers,” Tom Moody said.

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Manjrekar agreed with Moody and said that India has a good enough side to win the World Cup, but they will need to execute their plans well in the knockout stages.

“Yes, I think the selectors have done a good job considering the options that they had. The planning is good, now it’s all about the execution in the main game. I see India qualifying for the semis, but it’s the challenge post the semis that India will have to contend with. There are some good sides around; we’ve had a glimpse of some of the squads. It’s not going to be easy, but yes, it’s a good enough side to win the World Cup,” said Sanjay Manjrekar.

Both Moody and Manjrekar highlighted the importance of home advantage for India. India will be playing the World Cup on home soil, and this could give them a psychological edge over their opponents.

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“Yes, I think they have a side that’s good enough to win the World Cup. I think home advantage will be a big one for India, but I bring that point around the fitness. The fitness of Bumrah and Shami is absolutely key to me as both of them are high-quality new ball bowlers,” said Tom Moody.

Overall, both Moody and Manjrekar believe that India has a good chance of winning the ODI World Cup 2023. However, they also stressed the importance of fitness and execution for India to be successful.