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WC 2023 Curtain Raiser: Are India Firm Favourites? | Sledging Room, Ep 72

WC 2023 Curtain Raiser: Are India Firm Favourites? | Sledging Room, Ep 72

FromSledging Room


WC 2023 Curtain Raiser: Are India Firm Favourites? | Sledging Room, Ep 72

FromSledging Room

ratings:
Length:
44 minutes
Released:
Oct 4, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

As the 2023 Cricket World Cup is set to get underway, India emerge as a formidable force and a favorite to clinch the title. The tournament, scheduled from October 5 to November 19, will be hosted across ten stadiums in India, with the final match set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This marks a significant event for India, as they, under Rohit Sharma, seek to end a decade-long trophy drought at major ICC events. With a lineup boasting of players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, the team is a force to be reckoned with. Their recent performance has been impressive, winning 15 out of their last 18 ODIs at home. However, the team has had its share of struggles in ICC tournaments over the past ten years, often starting strong but faltering at crucial moments. India had issues with fitness of some of their star players and form concerns, but the team has managed to head into the World Cup with most boxes ticked. KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah looked ready after recovering from long injury layoffs while the addition of off-spinner R Ashwin as a late replacement for injured Axar Patel adds variety and more experience to the bowling line-up. The memory of India's triumphant 2011 World Cup victory, where Sachin Tendulkar emerged as the highest run-getter and Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in the final against Sri Lanka, still lingers. However, since lifting the 2013 Champions Trophy, India has not won a global title, despite their financial muscle and smooth run-up to the tournament. Turning our attention to other teams, England, the winners of the 2019 World Cup, are expected to be cautious with their approach. The round-robin format of the tournament allows them time to strategize and build momentum. Australia, on the other hand, have shown resilience and strength, recently defeating Pakistan in a thrilling warm-up match. Australia and England, with their powerhouse sides, are favourites to finish in the top 4. Pakistan, a team known for its unpredictability, could potentially pose a challenge to all teams, including India. However, they have one too many problems as their middle-order and spin-bowling line-up look weak. Babar Azam needs to work magic and inspire his team if Pakistan are to make a mark. Bangladesh, despite having a strong home record, has been less successful outside their home turf. Their win probability stands at a mere 2.9%, according to CricViz. However, the beauty of cricket lies in its unpredictability, and Bangladesh could potentially spring a surprise. Despite the challenges and high stakes, India's chances look promising. The team's key players have returned from injuries, and their recent victory in the Asia Cup has boosted their confidence. Moreover, playing on home ground could provide them with an added advantage. However, it is crucial for the team to maintain consistency and not buckle under pressure during critical moments of the game.
Released:
Oct 4, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

A weekly India Today podcast, Sledging Room is a sports show which will hold discussions related to sports, especially cricket. This is a podcast with a difference, a podcast where tempers will flare and participants, to put it mildly, are not always polite. For your weekly dose of sporting hostilities, this is your final destination. Sledging Room will dissect views and bring in new perspectives with a dash of irreverence.