An outdated batting approach, dismal performance of the spinners, lack of back-up options and selection blunders have led to another early World Cup exit for the forever unpredictable Pakistan unit. Heading into the Asia Cup that preceded the World Cup in India, Pakistan was the top-ranked ODI side but like it is the case often, the rankings don't paint the whole picture. Pakistan's last semifinal appearance in the ODI World Cup came way back in 2011 when India beat them on their way to glory. Read more on TOI
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ll India as favorites to win the World Cup Cricket is one of the most popular sports in India, and the Indian cricket team has always been a force to be reckoned with. With the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in 2023, there are several factors that make India the favorites to win the tournament. First and foremost, India's current squad is packed with talented and experienced players. The team is led by the charismatic Virat Kohli, who is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. Alongside him, India boasts a strong batting lineup, including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul. These players have consistently performed well in international cricket and have the ability to score big runs consistently. In addition to their strong batting lineup, India also has a formidable bowling attack. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja have proven themselves to be match-winners in the past. They have the ability to take wickets at crucial moments and put pressure on the opposition. This balanced combination of a strong batting and bowling lineup gives India a significant advantage over other teams. Another factor that makes India favorites to win the World Cup is their familiarity with the conditions. The tournament is set to be held in India, and the Indian players are well-versed with the pitches and weather conditions in their home country. This knowledge and experience will give them an edge over teams from other countries who may struggle to adapt to the conditions. Furthermore, India has a strong domestic cricket structure that consistently produces talented players. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a breeding ground for young cricketers, providing them with exposure and opportunities to showcase their skills. This has led to the emergence of several promising players who could potentially make it to the national team by 2023. Lastly, the Indian cricket team has a history of performing well in major tournaments. They won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1983 and 2011, and reached the finals in 2003. This track record of success in previous World Cups instills confidence in the team and their ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes tournament. In conclusion, India's strong squad, familiarity with the conditions, a robust domestic cricket structure, and a history of success in major tournaments make them the favorites to win the Cricket World Cup in 2023. However, cricket is a highly unpredictable game, and anything can happen on the day. It will be interesting to see how the tournament unfolds and if India can live up to the expectations and bring the trophy home once again.