ICC World Cup 2019: India Favourites to Lift the Trophy, Says VVS Laxman

Indian National Cricket team have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales starting from May 30. The selection has raised a few eyeballs with Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu failing to make the cut. But, former India batting legend, VVS Laxman feels that Virat Kohli-led Indian team will have a massive chance to lift the trophy.

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The selection panel headed by MSK Prasad announced the whole squad at the BCCI headquarter on April 15 (Monday). After a lot of deliberation, they have preferred Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar ahead of Ambati Rayudu. Prasad said Karthik got the nod due to his better wicket-keeping skills while Vijay Shankar’s ability to contribute to all department went in favour of him.

India favourites to win: Laxman

Another surprising selection was the men in blues going in with three specialist fast bowlers while Hardik Pandya will be their fourth seamer. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the three pacers. On the other hand, KL Rahul will be the third opener while Ravindra Jadeja will don the role of a third spinner.

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VVS Laxman, who is currently with Sunrisers Hyderabad squad in the IPL, said India have one of the most balanced sides are can win the title. Currently ranked second among ODI teams after England, many have tipped India to be the front-runner, and Laxman echoed the same voice.

“The Indian team is very balanced and one of the strong contenders for the title,” Laxman said.

Furthermore, VVS Laxman also added the Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Vijay Shankar – two players who are in the World Cup squad from Hyderabad and in great shape and will contribute to the team’s success. Laxman has seen both the cricketers from close quarters and seemed confident about their success.

“I have monitored Bhuvi and Vijay in the nets while they were on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) duties. They look in great shape and are raring to perform on a stage like the World Cup. I can see these players contributing to team’s success in a major way,” he concluded.