The 2023 ODI World Cup is set to kick off on Thursday with a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 final between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This edition of the World Cup will feature a total of 48 matches played across 10 venues in India. The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with each of the 10 teams competing against each other once in the group stage. The top four teams will then advance to the semi-finals, with the first semi-final taking place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, and the second at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. The grand finale will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19.
There are many questions surrounding this World Cup. Who will emerge as the champion? Which teams will secure a spot in the top four? And can we expect any surprising upsets? Our in-house experts at Sportskeeda have shared their predictions.
Shashwat Kumar believes that this World Cup in India will be unlike any other, thanks to the passionate fans and the electric atmosphere they create. He predicts that India, playing on home soil and with a strong lineup, are the favorites to win. However, he acknowledges that teams like Australia and England have a proven track record in white-ball cricket, and New Zealand has historically performed well in ICC tournaments. He expects India to ultimately triumph but anticipates plenty of drama, upsets, and riveting action along the way.
Rudransh Khurana predicts an England vs. India final, with England emerging as the victors. He acknowledges India’s strengths but believes that England’s depth, balance, and experience will give them the edge. Despite England’s spin disadvantage, Khurana believes that their ability to blow away opponents, even when not at their best, will make them unstoppable.
Sai Krishna highlights India’s strong spin-bowling variety, fast-bowling potency, and reliable top-order as key factors that make them a formidable team. However, he acknowledges concerns about India’s lower-middle order and potential injuries. He also mentions the pressure that the Indian team will face throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, Krishna believes that India has the skill and mental strength to go all the way. He identifies Australia and England as the main contenders to beat, with South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan as potential underdogs.
Venkatesh Ravichandran emphasizes the importance of selecting the right playing XI for each venue and opponent, as well as being flexible during matches. He believes that England, with their ability to make these crucial decisions, will likely reach the final. However, he notes that defending a title is often more challenging than winning it, so Australia and India will also be strong contenders. Ravichandran predicts an England vs. Australia final on an Ahmedabad pitch that favors the bowlers, with Australia ultimately emerging as the winners. He also highlights the significance of fielding, suggesting that the team with the fewest dropped catches of top-order batsmen will have an advantage.
Gokul Nair sees the 2023 World Cup as a test for the ODI format, which has taken a backseat to franchise cricket in recent years. He expects the flat conditions in India to provide an opportunity for the 50-over format to shine. Nair does not provide specific predictions but emphasizes the importance of adapting to the conditions and the need for teams to perform well in batting and bowling.
As the 2023 ODI World Cup approaches, fans and experts alike eagerly await the thrilling matches and captivating moments that this tournament is sure to deliver. With strong teams and fierce competition, it is anyone’s guess who will lift the trophy on November 19.
