Ravi Shastri Reveals the Favourites For 2019 World Cup

India’s coach Ravi Shastri has picked the favourite for the upcoming World Cup 2019 in England. Shastri believes India is one of the front contenders if they can get the impetus on their side. The Indian side is one of the most consistent sides in the world and won the ODI series against Australia.

The Men in Blue has ticked the right boxes and would like to be at the top of their game in the ODI showpiece. Furthermore, India has all but covered all the bases as they are coming with collective team performance. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were also able to return back to form in the ODI series.

India and England will be the front contenders.

India has a potent batting line-up and their bowling has come off ages in the recent past. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli are the best limited over players in the game. Furthermore, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Yuzvendra Chahal form a strong bowling unit.

In an interview with former England captain Michael Vaughan for the Daily Telegraph, Shastri said, “There will be three or four teams that can do it and it is how you start. If we gain momentum early then India are very dangerous because we have got a lot of crowd support and things backing us. We have the team that can go the distance and not for one minute will I not be thinking in that fashion. The players believe that but it is about how you handle that pressure, stay composed and execute your plans.”

Furthermore, Ravi Shastri believes England is also one of the front contenders for the coveted tournament. England is currently at the numero uno position in the ODI rankings and has played fearless cricket. The English side will be playing in their home conditions and would be the cynosure of all eyes in the World Cup.

When asked if England can win the World Cup, the 56-year-old said, “Absolutely. This is the best England team I have seen. They have been focussed in picking players who are good in that format of the game and will take their chances from ball one to dictate terms to the opposition. You also have balance. We saw England last year in England and they had depth in batting and a lot of players who are multi-faceted. They have five or six guys who can be called upon at any time to bowl and that is what you want.”

The Indian side has done a good job in the recent past. They have been dominant in their home conditions. Furthermore, they were able to deliver the goods in the Australian conditions.

On the other hand, the England team has also done a fine job. Eoin Morgan has led from the front and the English team has a lot of all-rounders in their squad who add value to their team.

England is yet to savor success in the World Cup event and they would aim to turn the tables in the upcoming event. Meanwhile, South Africa also has a potent side but they will miss the services of AB de Villiers who retired in May 2018.

India will now take on New Zealand in five One Day Internationals and three T20Is.