Despite losing the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri still thinks India are “favorites” to win the ODI World Cup later this year.
While the WTC final loss was disappointing, Shastri believes India has played really well in the ODI format and can end their ICC Trophy drought if they play the right XI.
Here is what Ravi Shastri had to say about India’s chances in the ODI World Cup in an exclusive interview with The Week.
“Just because you lost the World Test Championship final, I don’t think a knee-jerk reaction is necessary for the World Cup. You must realize that the format is unique and that India has performed well in it.”
“Given that they are playing at home, I think they have a good chance of winning, as long as they field a team with the appropriate mix of youth and experience for the conditions in India.”
According to Ravi Shastri, the Indian team needs a lot of left-handed players
Ravi Shastri also emphasized the requirements for winning a tournament final, something India hasn’t done in a while.
He continued:
“The World Cups are a big deal to me. Not that we were rolled over. The semifinal and championship rounds were reached by us.”
“However, in order to win the championship, everyone must work together. You cannot criticize a player or the captain.”
“In the World Test Championship final, you require hundreds.You require 100 or at least three fifty-dollar bills. You don’t merit the victory if you haven’t done that. Every captain loses.”
Ravi Shastri provided insight into the left-handers India fielded at the 2011 World Cup, including Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gautam Gambhir. He believes that India’s batting lineup needs that balance and variety.
Regarding this, Ravi Shastri said:
“Closer to the event (the World Cup), current form will also be essential. My ideal top-six lineup would include two left-handers.”
“Gambhir, Yuvraj, and Raina were present in 2011 when we triumphed at the World Cup. You require that balance.”
“There must be a mix and a balance. When a seasoned player is injured, you have enough left-handed talent to step in.”
“It will be interesting to watch how some of the middle-order batters perform as the championship game approaches.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
