England and India are favourites to win World Cup: Kumar Sangakkara

Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara stated that India and England are the favourites to lift the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. The much-awaited ICC global event is scheduled to be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

Sangakkara also said that considering Sri Lanka's performances in the ongoing Asia Cup, they might make it to the knockouts of the the World Cup. Notably, Sri Lanka qualified for the Asia Cup finale by beating Pakistan in a thrilling game.

“I think England and India are going to be top favourites. I saw Sri Lanka play the last game and how they played throughout the Asia Cup, so they could be challenging for a playoff position once you’re in the playoffs, you’re a game away. You have a good day, you could be in the final” the former Sri Lanka captain told Sky Sports.

Hardik Pandya's fitness, in my eyes, make India favourite: Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan, the former England captain, reckoned that the hosts would be the favourites since Hardik Pandya is fully fit. The all-rounder, according to the 37-year-old, bowls well and bat down the order. 

“The fitness level of Hardik Pandya, his ability to bowl. He has bowl little bit in the Asia Cup so far but he has bowled really really well and there are very few sides in the tournament that would be a genuine contender that will have somebody who bats in the tops six and has the ability to bowl,” Morgan said.

"Having Hardik Pandya fit and being able to bowl five and six overs of the quality bowling really does in my eyes make them probably favourite,” he concluded.

India have announced a 15-man provisional squad for the ODI World Cup. The two-time champions are yet to finalize their squad.

India ODI World Cup squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav