Sourav Ganguly makes huge statement on India’s chances against Australia in opening game of 2023 World Cup
Sourav Ganguly (Source-Twitter)
The 2023 Cricket World Cup is drawing closer, and with each passing day, huge excitement is building up. India is set to host the biggest event in ODI cricket with 10 teams in the fray. The last time India hosted the event was in 2011 along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This time India will be the sole host for the first ever time.
India’s first game of World Cup 2023 will be against formidable opponents Australia. The game is to be played in Chennai on the 8th of October. Australia and India have played each other 12 times in World Cup matches. The five-time champions Australia have won 8 of those games, while India has won four matches.
One of the great wins for Australia was the 2003 World Cup final against India. Ricky Ponting and his all-conquering Australians won the game by 125 runs. Their opponents, on that day, were led by inspiration captain Sourav Ganguly.
‘Australia not the same as 2003’ – Sourav Ganguly
Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was recently in conversation with Boria Majumdar. The former Indian Cricket Board boss was in conversation with the veteran journalist for the Revsportz show called ‘Backstage with Boria’. Sourav Ganguly showed his faith that team India can defeat the Australians in the 1st game of the tournament.
The former Indian skipper said “Australia are a very good side but they are certainly not the same Australia of 2003. India has done well against Australia in big tournaments, India beat Australia in the 2019 World Cup, for example, have the side to do well against Australia. While this Australian team is very good, it isn’t the same as in 2003”
Sourav Ganguly also said that India will be starting favourites for the 2023 ODI World Cup. According to the 51-year-old, the familiarity with home conditions will hold India in good stead for the big event.
The former Indian skipper, while speaking to Boria Majumdar, further said, “India will always be favourites on home soil. They have a very good side and if the fitness of the players is on track, they will always have a good chance in home conditions. It will depend on how they play during the tournament and how the fast bowlers perform”
India and Australia last time clashed during the 2019 World Cup in England, which was played at the Oval. India scored 352/5 thanks to a century from Shikhar Dhawan. Half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with a quick 48 by Hardik Pandya, helped the team post the massive score.
In reply, Australia was all out for 316 losing the game with a margin of 36 runs. Steve Smith top scored with 69 as David Warner (56) and Alex Carey (55) helped Australia keep their chase on track. Three wickets each for Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with a brace of wickets from Chahal helped India win the contest.
