Former England captain Nasser Hussain, in anticipation of the ODI World Cup 2023’s return to India, has weighed in on the favourites to clinch the coveted title. Despite India’s impressive cricketing prowess and strong squad, Nasser Hussain disagrees with the prevailing sentiment that India is the clear favourite to win the tournament.
The upcoming ODI World Cup has generated immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as it marks India’s host status after a 13-year hiatus. India’s previous triumph in the subcontinent during the 2011 ICC event has only intensified expectations from the Men in Blue to end their decade-long ICC trophy drought.
Consequently, many cricket experts and fans have designated India as the frontrunner in this marquee event. However, Nasser Hussain presents a different perspective. During a recent conversation with Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain acknowledged India’s cricketing strengths.
He commended the team’s possession of two of the world’s finest white-ball cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Additionally, he highlighted the inclusion of the young batting sensation, Shubman Gill, and the return of the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, which makes India’s lineup one of the strongest in the competition.
“If you look at their batting and bowling, it’s right up there among one of the best squads” – Nasser Hussain on Team India
However, Nasser Hussain contends that India falls short of being the clear favourite due to a significant factor – the lack of all-rounders in their World Cup squad. He underlined the inability of Indian batsmen to contribute with the ball and the bowlers’ limited batting prowess. This distinction from teams like England and Australia, who boast several all-rounders, leaves India at a disadvantage.
In Nasser’s own words, “They’re favorites but they’re not clear favorites because of the amount of quality sides there are… If you look at their batting and bowling, it’s right up there among one of the best squads.”
However, he underscores that India’s unique makeup, with specialized batsmen and bowlers, differentiates them from other contenders. Furthermore, Nasser Hussain offered valuable advice to Team India, emphasizing the importance of playing fearless cricket in the knockout stages. He acknowledged that Indian players often face immense pressure, but he pinpointed their occasional struggles in the knockout rounds since the 2011 World Cup.
His prediction is that India will reach the knockout stage, but the real challenge lies in the semifinals, where they must summon the spirit of fearless cricket to progress further in the tournament. Nasser Hussain’s assessment provides a nuanced perspective on India’s World Cup prospects, emphasizing their strengths but also pointing out a crucial area of concern.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the 2023 ODI World Cup, his insights add depth to the ongoing discussions surrounding the tournament.
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