ICC World Cup 2019: Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts Tournament's Finalists

India’s talisman off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his hat in the prediction ring. Ashwin has made a bold prediction of the two finalists for the ongoing World Cup 2019. The off-spinner who had recently led Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League believes favourites India and England will be the last two teams of the World Cup.

In fact, hosts England and India have been the most favourite teams to lift the coveted trophy. Thus, Ashwin believes it would be these two teams who would be taking on each other in the final which will take place at Lord’s on 14th July.

India, England are favourites – Ravichandran Ashwin.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin believes India has got most of its bases covered in their team. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the best two batsmen in the world. Furthermore, the balance is right with the good amalgamation of spinners and fast bowlers. Hence, Ashwin expects India to tick the right boxes in the ODI showpiece.

“India are the favourites because look at the batting that we have. Top three we have Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli. Rohit and Virat are two of the best batsmen in the world. The way Virat paces his innings and the kind of firepower that Rohit has, he is one of those batsmen who can change gears any time. Apart from that, we have a balanced setup,” said Ashwin on Sunday while talking to India Today.

“Hardik Pandya has emerged as a great player, MS Dhoni is the calming influence in the middle order. Then the likes of Bumrah at the death and with the new ball. The two wrist-spinners as well.”

On the other hand, England will have home advantage and they have been ruthless in the last four years. Eoin Morgan has led with aplomb and England have begun the World Cup as overwhelming favourites for the first time.

“Looking at them from a long shot, the balance India has got in terms of pace, spin and the batting prowess, I think India are the favourites. Looking at the other teams, I think India and England will play in the final. That is my prediction,” said Ravichandran Ashwin.

India will like to go all the way in the World Cup as they have been a consistent side. However, the middle order can be their Achilles Heel. India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Southampton on 5th June.