India being the home side are favourites to win ODI World Cup: Sam Curran

Sam Curran was adjudged Player of the Tournament in the last ICC tournament (T20 World Cup 2022) and the young all-rounder will be aiming to repeat the same and help his team defend the world title. He has been phenomenal for the Three Lions in the recent past but with Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali available, his place in the playing XI is currently in jeopardy. However, in the practice match against Bangladesh, the 25-year-old bowled well and also picked up a wicket which should give him confidence to make an impact whenever he gets called up.

Meanwhile, the cricketer believes that India are the favourites to win the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5. He mentioned that the Rohit Sharma-led side is well aware of the conditions and hence, they are the ideal one to get the job done.

“I feel like India being the home side, and with it being their conditions, they're probably the favourites,” Curran told GQ Magazine.

Cricket's a religion in India so you've got to go with an open mind: Sam Curran

England have called up Gus Atkinson for the marquee tournament after Jofra Archer got ruled out following an injury. Atkinson meanwhile was spectacular in the domestic season and the team management decided to reward him with a call-up for the ODI World Cup 2023. Speaking about him, Curran mentioned that the ace pacer is asking a lot of questions to understand the conditions in India, the culture and the people. Curran mentioned that cricket is like a religion in India and he enjoys that about the sub-continent.

“Cricket's a religion (in India) so you've got to go with an open mind, take it all in and expect an amazing experience. For one of my good mates, Gus Atkinson, it's his first time going to India, so he's been asking questions about the conditions, the culture, the people, the fans. People just love the game and when you leave the hotel, you get mobbed by loads of fans, which is amazing. It just shows how much people love and worship cricket in India,” Curran added.