Come this World Cup, India, with its two title wins in 1983 and 2011, aims for another triumph. Their last venture in 2019 saw them exit in the semi-finals against New Zealand.
In this year’s World Cup, India starts against Australia on October 8, with ten teams competing in total. The top four will advance to the semis.
Squad Overview Captain Rohit Sharma leads a talented team including big names like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Strengths
Home Ground Boost: The World Cup returns to India after 12 years. Given their IPL experience and recent series wins, the Men in Blue have a solid understanding of local conditions. Their recent Asia Cup win adds more fuel to their confidence. The finale is set at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – the world’s biggest cricket venue.
Team Depth:
Though some selections raised eyebrows, standout performances in the Asia Cup turned skepticism into support. From Shubman Gill to Ishan Kishan, India’s batting has depth. Bowling-wise, with options like Bumrah and Siraj, India looks well-prepared.
Weaknesses
No.8 Spot Dilemma: The modern game demands a strong all-rounder at No.8. With Axar Patel out, it leaves Ashwin or Thakur to fill the void, which is a concern.
Left-Handed Batsman Shortage: India’s 2011 win had a good mix of left-right batsmen. This mix disrupts bowlers. But currently, only Kishan and Jadeja are the main left-handed options, potentially making the batting predictable.
Opportunities
A Grand Farewell: This might be the last World Cup for some senior players, including Rohit Sharma. Winning would be a dream send-off for them, especially for Sharma who missed the 2011 win.
Threats
Home Pressure: Playing at home has its advantages, but the weight of local expectations can be heavy. Energetic fans can sometimes be overwhelming.
Travel Fatigue: Unlike other teams, India will play across nine cities.
Probable Team
Rohit Sharma ©, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
With the stage set, it’s time to see if India can harness the home advantage and lift the trophy once again.
