Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar explains why the home team are the strong favourites over the formidable Indian side, while he also picked the likely semifinalists for the tournament.
The Indian side donning the blue have lost only one ODI series under the captaincy of Virat Kohli and it came against England last year while winning nine others. Also, since 2015 World Cup, India have won 58 matches ODI matches thereby recording a win percentage of 67.44 – the most by any team.
Despite the numbers standing in favour of India, Gavaskar tips England as the strong favourites for the manner in which they have moulded themselves since their early exit in 2015 World Cup. England had finished fifth in Pool A after suffering four defeats which included loss against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
“The strong favourites in the World Cup tournament are England. And it is not because of the fact that it will be a home World Cup for them. But because they have changed their attitude towards ODI cricket. They had lost in the league stage in 2015 World Cup, probably against Bangladesh. But since then, the manner in which they changed their game, the way in which they picked their team, England have grown into a strong side. They have a good opening pair, they have strong middle-order batters, they also have a good all-rounder in the form of and when you play at home you also have a strong backing,” Gavaskar told India Today.
However, Gavaskar feels that India have an advantage in the showpiece tournament having played in England for two consecutive years – in 2017 for Champions Trophy and in 2018 for a full series.
“The advantage that India have is they have played in England for two consecutive years – 2017 and 2018. So the players who will be part of the World Cup squad will be aware of the conditions and hence will be able to use their experience and probably India can use the factor to lift the World Cup. But I feel the most favourites are England and then come India,” Gavaskar added.
The former Indian captain then picked the possible semifinalists for World Cup 2019. He picked Pakistan and Australia, while also expecting New Zealand to spring a surprise.
“Pakistan have always been a formidable side. And the Australian team will look strong with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner. So these four teams will be in the semifinals. New Zealand are also favourites because conditions in England are almost similar to theirs. So they cane spring a surprise, but they have never gone ahead of semifinals as what I have seen.”
