‘Yeh toh haar bar ka hai’ – Fans react as Kapil Dev picks contender to win 2023 ODI World Cup

The 13th edition of the ODI World Cup is all set to begin in October 2023 in India. Last time, when India hosted the mega event in 2011, the Men in Blue were the champion. So, fans are hoping to see Rohit Sharma and his men win the trophy once again this time around. Currently, they are busy touring West Indies. After winning the two-match Test series 1-0, they are scheduled to play a three-match ODI against the Windies. 

After that, they will play minimum 5 ODIs in Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 followed by a three-match home ODI series against Australia just before the World Cup. So, all eyes will be on the team on how they would prepare for the mega event. Now, while speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the Golf Fitting Centre in Bengaluru, the former World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev backed the home team to bag the title this year. 

“I hope the players will be fully prepared.” – Kapil Dev

He said that if the team manage to handle the pressure of expectations, then they can win the trophy after 12 years. Kapil said: “I don’t know how it will pan out. They are yet to announce the team. India will always enter a tournament as favourites as it has been the case for a long time.”

“It’s all about how the team comes to terms with the expectations from all sides. We have won a World Cup at home, and I am sure the team, whoever gets selected, can do it again. I hope the players will be fully prepared. These players are playing some 10 months of cricket. So, managing your body is important to keep away from injuries,” he concluded.

India will begin their World Cup campaign on 8 October against the Aussies in Chennai. On 15 October, they will clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Notably, the home team will play all of their matches across nine different venues.

Here is how fans have reacted: