• Home
  • Who Said What
  • I Think They Can Win This One Ravi Shastri Speaks On Indias Chances In Odi World Cup 2023

'I Think They Can Win This One' - Ravi Shastri Speaks on India's Chances in ODI World Cup 2023

image-lj9uvkwiShastri has spoken about India's WC chances [Twitter]

Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri opined on India's chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup and shared his suggestions for the Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma-led team.

Shastri spoke on the dearth of left-handers in India's ODI outfit and advised the team management to include a few southpaws to strike a balance within their batting line-up.

"You have Ishan Kishan. In the wicketkeeping department, you have Sanju (Samson). But the left-handers, you have (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, Tilak Varma. There is enough left-handed talent that can replace any senior player at the," Shastri said as quoted to The Week.

With injuries haunting Indian cricket for quite some time now, Shastri also wants the side to have a look-in at a few youngsters to be ready in a situation of a mishap.

"There are so many youngsters. There is Jaiswal and, I might miss out a few here, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera. There is [Sai] Sudharsan, who played so well in the [IPL] final. There is Jitesh Sharma," the 61-year-old added.

Further, he talked about the talent of Sanju Samson, saying that:

"There is Sanju [Samson], who I believe is yet to realise his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing. It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar with Sanju."

On the IPL vs domestic debate, he voiced his thoughts and had this to say:

"Because of the IPL, you see an abundance of high-quality, young, white-ball players. But, one should not get carried away by that and think they should be automatic red-ball choices. No, I would rather see the red-ball record. I would sit with the selectors and find out more about who the [red-ball performances] were against, in what conditions, what are their strengths, what is the temperament of the bloke like."

While the joy of winning an ICC trophy has eluded India for 10 years now, Shastri's gut says that Rohit and Co. could finally bring the title home this time.

"They are playing at home. I think they are one of the favourites. I am telling you now; I think they can win this one. Provided they get the right balance of experience and youth. And there is enough time to identify the squad that you want. And if you get your full-strength side, I think India are favourites, with England and Australia."

The ODI World Cup 2023 is expected to begin from October 5 with its full schedule set to release on June 27.