The T20 World Cup fever and the excitement surrounding the tournament have skyrocketed after an exhilarating display of cricket played by all 8 teams in the Qualifier stages of the World Cup. We already have a significant upset in the form of 2-time World Champions West Indies bowing out of the tournament without making it to the Super 12 stage. Also, the T20 format proved why it is the most unpredictable as we witnessed not 1 but 2 monumental upsets in the very first week of the tournament.
While Sri Lanka lost to Namibia on the very first evening of this T20 World Cup, it was the turn of Scotland to defeat the double-time champs West Indies on the next day. Even then, both Namibia and Scotland failed to reach the Super 12 but they can go back holding their heads high seeing the progress they have made. So the 4 teams to join the 8 qualified teams will be Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and 1-time champions Sri Lanka.
As we enter any tournament, there will be predictions made by cricketing legends and critics on who they think will be the favorites to win the World Cup or their top-4 favorites to make it to the Semi-Finals.
\Here we will list down the conclusion made by many of the giants in the game about this 8th edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Sachin Tendulkar gives his top 4 and the winner
The former Indian batsman and universal cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar has said India according to him are the favorites to lift the trophy for the 2nd time in their history. Talking to the Telegraph, Sachin pointed out that while he thinks South Africa and New Zealand are the dark horses, he has named traditional rivals India, Pakistan, Australia, and England to progress from their respective groups.
“India is favorite. Yes, of course. My heart is with India and would always want India to win. Not just because I am an Indian, I truly believe we have the firepower to perform well in these conditions.‘I would obviously want India to be the champions but my top four would be India, Pakistan, Australia and England“, said Sachin.
Telegraph
Wasim Akram names South Africa to be the dark horse
The former Pakistani skipper has made his bold prediction regarding this multi-team event taking place down under. Like Sachin, Wasim named India, Pakistan, and Australia to make it to the final-4 while placing South Africa to pipping either India or Pakistan from Group 2.
“For the semifinals, what I would like to see is Australia, India, and Pakistan. But South Africa could be a dark horse,” said Wasim Akram talking to media in Dubai a few days back.
Ricky Ponting predicts an India-Australia finale
The Aussie legend made a bold statement a few months back stating Australia will defend the T20 World Cup title successfully by defeating Rohit Sharma-led Indian side in the final at the iconic MCG on November 13th. He also named England to be a strong favorite in this World Cup but maintained the home conditions will aid Australia to emerge victorious.
“The reigning champions have got home conditions and that was one thing that made Australia’s win in the last World Cup, not remarkable, but that little bit sweeter for them,”
The ICC Review episode
Brendon McCullum says can’t write off New Zealand
Though having not won any ICC World Cup till now, New Zealand always produces some of the most spirited performances when it comes to world tournaments. Brendon McCullum, England’s Test format coach talking on SENZ Breakfast expects yet another disciplined effort from the Kiwis and was hopeful they will go a long way in this World Cup.
“One thing that you can never write the New Zealand team off (in) is when it comes to World Cups. They just have an incredible ability to stay composed and really disciplined for what needs to be done in pressure moments. I expect them to be there or thereabouts again,”
McCullum told SENZ Breakfast
Virender Sehwag feels Australia is tough to beat at home
Talking on Cricbuzz, the former Indian opener Virender Sehwag backed Australia to reach the final and defend the title as he felt it is very difficult for any side to beat the hosts in their own den. Like Ponting, Viru expects an India-Australia final affair on November 13th.
“The hosts are Australia and defeating them Down Under is very difficult. The other would be the Indian team who are balanced and have experience of playing in Australia,”
Virender Sehwag talking on Cricbuzz
Kapil Dev less optimistic about India’s chances in this World Cup
Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper feels India has just a 30% chance of making the top 4 let alone winning the title for the 2nd time. His views are interesting as in most of the ICC events, India will be considered the firm favorite to reach the final stages. But it is understandable due to India’s average outing in the last-2 multi-national events, World Cup 2021 and Asia Cup 2022 where they got ousted in the Group stages.
“In T20 cricket, the team winning a match can lose the next… It’s a very difficult to talk about the chances of India winning the World Cup. The issue is can they make it to the top four? And I am concerned about their making it to the top four, only then anything can be said. For me, it’s just 30 % chance of India making it to the top four,”
Kapil Dev in a promotional event in Lucknow
Most of the experts feel it would be the Australian captain Aaron Finch who would once again lift the trophy at the MCG on November 13th. But it is still a long way to go.
Finally, here is our three favorites to win the title this year.
