Suresh Raina, former Indian batter and 2011 World Cup winner, predicted the semi-finalists for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Raina believes that India, England, New Zealand, and Australia will make it to the top four of the Cricket World Cup in 2023.
The former batter also warned the participating teams against dark horses, Afghanistan and South Africa, as he feels these teams can pull off some surprises during the 2023 World Cup. However, Raina didn't even mention Pakistan, despite the fact that they are really one of the strong contenders for the title. But Pakistan is currently really off track, and that’s not a good sign for them.
Well, India is the host nation and has a very strong team, with world-class and experienced players in all three departments. England is the defending champion and has a very explosive batting lineup. On the other hand, New Zealand is always a threat in ICC events, while Australia has a lot of match-winners. So, these teams are Raina’s favorites to qualify for the knockouts of the CWC 2023.
Suresh Raina said on Sports Tak: “India, New Zealand, Australia, and England. I would also want to add Afghanistan and South Africa as wildcard entries. The World Cup will be played across 10 venues for around 45 days. Considering the months in which they are playing, it will be challenging for the fast bowlers. This is why I believe one more team from the subcontinent, apart from India, can do very well.”
Praising Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, the former cricketer said: “If anyone can make a huge impact in the death overs apart from MS Dhoni, then it's Suryakumar Yadav. Gill will be India's strongest card. He has been in stunning form and has figured out how he needs to play in ODIs.”
Raina further said, “He has spent some time with Virat and is batting with Rohit Sharma, who has hit double centuries. Gill has also hit a double century. Gill and Rohit's pair will win the hearts of people, just like Sachin-Sehwag and Sachin-Ganguly did in the past.”
The cricket expert also believes that the leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal should have been part of India’s squad. Raina signed off by saying, “I still feel Yuzvendra Chahal should have been in the squad. Most teams have two leg spinners. However, we have just one wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. I believe Kuldeep will be our trump card.”
(With Sports Tak Inputs)
