'Quality top-order, world-class all-rounders, experienced bowlers' - Sunil Gavaskar reasons why England are favourties to win ODI World Cup

The cricket world is eagerly counting down the days to the commencement of the much-anticipated ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to begin on October 5. The grand opening clash will see defending champions England locking horns with the 2019 World Cup's first runners-up, New Zealand, in the cricketing citadel of Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, host nation India is all set to kick off their campaign against Australia on October 8 in the cricketing haven of Chennai.

In the world of cricket, few opinions carry as much weight as that of former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary cricketer, known for his astute analysis, has laid his bets on England as the team to watch in this World Cup. According to Gavaskar, England boasts a squad that appears formidable on paper, ticking most of the essential boxes required for World Cup glory. The return of the dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes from retirement has further bolstered England's prospects.

"The defending champions, England, because of the kind of talent that they have at, at the top of the order, the batting order, they've got two or three world-class all-rounders who can change the game with both bat and ball. They've also got a very good bowling line-up, an experienced bowling line-up, so at the moment in my book certainly," Gavaskar opined on Star Sports.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Irfan Pathan instils faith in the Indian Dream

Contrastingly, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind India. According to Pathan, the hosts are meticulously aligning all the elements needed for a victorious campaign and are rightfully considered one of the favorites to lift the coveted ICC trophy. India's recent triumph in the Asia Cup 2023 and their commanding series victory against Australia on home soil just prior to the World Cup have certainly boosted their credentials.

"I'm very excited to see how India performs and I really think they are one of the favorites, for sure because especially last couple of series, like Asia Cup, and the way India played against Australia as well in the home conditions. I think they are ticking all the boxes," Pathan affirmed.

Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Teams & Squads