ICC World Cup 2023: Will India Be Able To Beat Australia? Sourav Ganguly Delivers Shattering Verdict

Former captain Sourav Ganguly is confident that his team can beat Australia to start their campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 on a winning note. Team India could not have asked for a tougher opposition to start their World Cup campaign.

The Men in Blue will be up against the most successful side in the history of the World Cup in their tournament opener. While no other team has won the World Cup more than twice, Australia have won it a record five times. Three days after the World Cup begins with the match between reigning champions England and New Zealand, India, and Australia will lock horns against each other on October 8 in Chennai.

India and Australia played an ODI series earlier this year and the latter proved their World Cup title credentials once again by winning the three-match series. After India won the first match by 5 wickets, Australia thrashed them by 10 wickets in the second game to level the series. Incidentally, the third match was held in Chennai and Australia went on to win it by 21 runs to seal the series.

Sourav Ganguly on facing Australia:

While beating Australia could do wonders for Team India’s confidence for the rest of the competition, a loss could very well make things trickier. And while only time will tell how India performs in the game against the five-match champions, Sourav Ganguly is confident of a good performance.

Speaking to RevSportz, the former India skipper stated that while Australia are definitely a good team, they are not as strong as they used to be. Recalling the Australian team of the 2003 World Cup, Sourav Ganguly said:

“Australia are a very good side but they are certainly not the same Australia of 2003. India have done well against Australia in big tournaments, India beat Australia in the 2019 World Cup for example, and have the side to do well against Australia. While this Australian team is very good, it isn’t the same as in 2003.”

Before the World Cup encounter, India and Australia will also play a three-match ODI series. The series will take place from September 21 to 27. As of now, Team India are in Sri Lanka to participate in the ongoing Asia Cup. They will open their campaign on Saturday (September 2) against Pakistan.