Former England cricketer Eoin Morgan talked about why, even though the number of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) before the much anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup is declining, the World Cup is still the ultimate competition in the sport. Interestingly, from October 5 to November 19, 2023, India will host the World Cup.
Morgan has chosen his World Cup favourites, stating that he is confident hosts India and defending champion England will still be in the running after the league stage matches. The 36-year-old added that Pakistan and Australia might win the trophy and mentioned that they might have a group of players that could thrive in India’s playing environment.
Morgan said
“When it comes to the business end of the tournament, I have no doubt England will be there, I have no doubt India will be there. And the other teams I would probably see potentially lifting the trophy are Australia and Pakistan, two very very strong teams, and two contenders when it comes to big competitions.”
“They have a lot of talent to work with. Playing cricket in India, particularly the 50-over format, you need to have all bases covered, and I would say those teams do,” Morgan said during an interview with WION.
Morgan had high regard for the host squad and stated they will definitely be the tournament favourites when questioned about his hopes for squad India’s performance at the World Cup. Notably, India has had difficulty competing in ICC competitions since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013. The team won its second ICC title in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s leadership, and the former England white-ball skipper thought back on that time.
“They’re an excellent cricket team that I believe will be favourites going into the World Cup. You don’t have to rewind the clock back that far when MS Dhoni was captain back in 2011, and that magical moment for all Indian fans when he hit that ball over long-on for six, and India lifted the trophy.”
The 36-year-old added that India will undoubtedly have an advantage at home and offered advice on how to handle the main event.
“Home advantage is quite a key thing, but if you were to advise anything you would say engage with the people who were there, and were leaders throughout that journey, and pick their brain. The likes of Virat Kohli played in that team and has first-hand experience of what it is like. It is going to be a hell of a tournament that I am looking forward to,” he added.
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