The 12th edition of the World Cup begins on May 30 when host England takes on South Africa at The Oval.
Former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd reckons multi-faceted players, who can provide various options to captains, especially with the ball on flat pitches, will play a major role in deciding their team's fortune at the forthcoming World Cup in UK.
"On flat tracks, the (specialist) bowlers will struggle a bit. I think this will be a World Cup of all-rounders," he told TOI. "From Afghanistan to England, or from India to the West Indies, every team is blessed with top-class all-rounders. That's why I believe it will be an all-rounders' World Cup."
The great Clive, having led West Indies towards victory in the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979, also weighed in over the prospects of the current lot from the Caribbean. Under the captaincy of Jason Holder, Calypso Kings begin the World Cup campaign on May 31 against Pakistan.
"I am also hopeful my West Indies will do well this time in England," he said. "The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has brought back the main players who have been doing well in different tournaments around the world. They will try their best. During the last 20-odd years, we lost so many good cricketers. I think the good cricketers have again come up with the intention of doing good."
While hosts England will kickstart the World Cup as massive favourites, Clive has a very different view regarding things. He believes historically the title contenders have always found it tough to reign supreme in the end.
"From 1983 onwards (when Kapil Dev's India defeated his West Indies side in the final), I have noticed the favourite team could not finally win the Cup. Did anyone expect Pakistan to win the Cup in 1992 or Sri Lanka in 1996?" he stressed.
England has made it to the World Cup final on three previous occasions, but has never clinched that prestigious trophy.
"I am surprised England have not yet been successful in winning the Cup. But there is a strong wave in UK that England will do well this time. No doubt they had done well in recent years. They are a well balanced side. England will be a very tough competitor this time."
"Pressure is always there for any international assignment. They can encourage themselves by saying that they will be the first to win the Cup, which England have never won. This might motivate them," Lloyd concluded.