India will be out to prove that they, and not England, are the favourites to win this year’s World Cup.
Playing their first match of the tournament against South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday, spin bowler Ravi Ashwin says they have no equal in the global showpiece.
Ashwin, who missed out on World Cup selection, explains: “India are the favourites because look at the batting that we have.
ODI MASTER BLASTER: India captain Virat Kohli. Photo: Aijaz Rahi/AP.
“Top three we have Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.
“Rohit and Virat are two of the best batsmen in the world.
I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck & thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He`s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past 🏏✊😃 #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia #esmuellert pic.twitter.com/hwS4apAlIE
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) June 3, 2019
“The way Virat paces his innings and the kind of firepower that Rohit has, he is one of those batsman who can change gears any time.”
It’s not only their top order that must be feared according to Ashwin.
The 2011 World Cup winner believes their middle order is just as dangerous and then they have the bowlers too to beat any team in the tournament.
A full fledged training session here at Southampton for #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/YJG7g9idlI
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Ashwin adds: “Hardik Pandya has emerged as a great player, MS Dhoni is the calming influence.
“Then the likes of Jasprit Bumrah at the death and with the new ball.
“The two wrist-spinners as well.”