India are not clear favourites for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, says Nasser Hussain

Former England captain Nasser Hussain opined on Indian cricket team's chances in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels that India might be counted amongst the favourites to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, but they are not ‘clear favourites’ due to some reasons. Hussain was talking in a post-match show after England’s ODI series was over against New Zealand at the Lord's. Team India have been waiting for an ICC title for the last 10 years and have lost the previous two editions of the 50-overs World Cup in the semifinals. As hosts, India will be one of the most favourites to win the Championship as they have done that before in the year 2011. 

Nasser calls India favourites, but not 'clear favourites' for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain heaped praise on the Indian batting lineup and also said that Bumrah’s comeback will be a big boost for them. Hussain said, “They are favourites but they are not clear favourites. Because of the amount of quality sides they are. They have two of the greatest white ball batters to ever play the game in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They have a potential future great in Shubman Gill and Bumrah coming back is fantastic news. So if you look at their batting and bowling, it’s right up there among one of the best squads.”

Team India’s big problem coming into the World Cup will be lack of part-time bowlers. Nasser Hussain also highlighted the same problem and said, “An area where they lack is if you look at the batters, they don’t bowl and the bowlers don’t bat. So the side has a different make-up to England and Australia with all the all-rounders.” Part-timers played a huge role in India’s World Cup victory in 2011. Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag were there as part-time spin bowlers to assist their team. 

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has suggested India to play fearless cricket in the tournament. He said, “You could agree that there’s pressure all the time on Indian players. But where they have fallen short is the knockouts since the 2011 World Cup. They need to play above par, play fearless cricket. I think they will get to the knockout stages, but when they get to the semifinal, that’s when they need to play fearless cricket.” Last three World Cup events have been won by the hosts. India hosted and won the 2011, Australia hosted and won the 2015 edition, while England lift the World Cup in 2019 as hosts.