Former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri said that the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team will start as favorites in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia.
The former Indian captain even declared that Team India will end their drought for the ICC trophy with a 2023 World Cup win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 16.
Shastri said that India is playing at home and they don't need to do anything since they are already playing outstandingly, so the cup will be India’s very soon.
Ravi Shastri said at the event in Chennai: “They are playing at home, and it's a very experienced side, and they don't need to do anything different. The way they have played...it will be around the way they had left in the last game. They should be holding that cup very soon.
India will win the World Cup. They will start as favourites in the final. They have played outstandingly well.”
The former all-rounder said that the Men in Blue just need to maintain composure and handle the pressure against Australia in the final. He also said that the best thing about this Indian team is that they are not depending on one or two players; all have been doing an exceptional job.
The commentator added, “They just need to be composed and calm, handling and soaking in the pressure. You (India) don't want to be over-excited just because it's a final. You (India) know what your roles are, and the good thing is this team doesn't depend on one or two players. There are eight or nine players performing game after game, so that's a brilliant sign.”
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Shastri also lauded the senior Indian pacer Mohammad Shami, who is currently the leading wicket taker in the World Cup 2023 for India with 23 scalps in 6 matches. He believes that Shami will play key role for the Men in Blue in the final against Australia in Ahmedabad.
The former cricketer further said, “The very first ball, if he (Shami) is sprinting in, (I wish) good luck to the batters. The seam presentation, the way the ball lands... What he has done in this World Cup is to consistently hit the right lengths.”
Shastri signed off by saying, “Even in Mumbai, he was troubling the batsmen with his skills. Not many got the ball to move around, but he got to do it and got the outside edges. I say this is the best Indian bowling attack. When you look at the variety and skill set, it's amazing.”
Notably, India will be entering to the final on the back of 10 straight wins in the World Cup 2023 and the hosts would like to lift the ICC World Cup Trophy.
(With PTI Inputs)
