The Indian ICC trophy cabinet has not seen an entrant in the last few years. The entire country is also itching for a win in a major event. While the T20 World Cup in Australia will be a good chance, the principal focus, though, will lie on the 50-over 2023 World Cup. It will happen in India and hence, the hosts will be one of the favourites. Since 2011, all the 50-over ICC World Cup’s have been won by the hosts. Hence, India will be under tremendous pressure to bag the trophy. In this article, we take a look at three teams that will be the toughest opponents for India in the 2023 World Cup.
1) Pakistan
Arch-rivals Pakistan will be one of the toughest opponents for India in the 2023 World Cup. The team is balanced in all aspects and although there are worries in the middle-order, there is time to address it.
Pakistan has good spinners in Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, both of whom can also contribute with the bat. The pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi is also world-class. Captain Babar Azam will be the prime hindrance if India has to do well in the competition. Therefore, Pakistan seems a tough opponent for India.
2) England
England won the ODI World Cup back in 2019. They will be one of the favourites to win the trophy in 2023, as well. The strong batting line-up is one of the main reasons that make the Englishmen highly capable of lifting the trophy.
Add to this the experience that some of them are getting by playing in the IPL, England can defeat the hosts in India. The likes of Jofra Archer, who are recovering from injuries, will also be fit by then.
3) Australia
Not many expected Australia to win the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, the serial ICC trophy winners exceeded expectations and won the competition.
Australia is a team that has always done well in India. IPL employs plenty of Aussies, and this will serve the team well. Players like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell are excellent against spin. The pace-unit comprising the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are sure to come good in India. The squad is also well-balanced with the likes of Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh in the XI. Hence, they will offer tough competition to the hosts.
