ICC World Cup 2019 | India, England favourites to win the tournament, says Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh has stated that India and England are among the favourites to lift the trophy at the upcoming World Cup in the United Kingdom, starting May 30. The veteran off-spinner has gone ahead with the popular choice but did not name the defending champions Australia among the favourites.
The Indian side has placed itself above the other teams with its performance in recent years. The second-ranked side was the most successful ODI team of 2018 and started this year with a bang too, as they won away series in Australia and New Zealand. They did succumb to a shock defeat against the Kangaroos that home but many analysts feel it was an aberration and have still named the Virat Kohli-led side among the favourites.
However, the favour is most tilted towards the hosts England, who have never won the world title before. The top-ranked side have completely revamped their approach and play an aggressive brand of cricket. Harbhajan Singh feels that India deserve to be right there one among the favourites.
“India, (actually) India and England I think (are the favourites), he said, reported AFP.
The 2011 champions have fielded their best ever bowling attack while batting still remains as their traditional strength. The off-spinner, who last played for India in 2016, feels that the entire team and not just the skipper Virat Kohli will be under a lot of pressure to perform.
"It's (the side) changing. It's a lot better than it was. Still pressure will be there. Not just on Virat Kohli but the whole team,” reckoned the 38-year-old.
Kapil Dev also reiterated that one individual cannot win tournament and the entire team needs to contribute.
"You don't win a tournament unless everybody collectively plays well. If you are relying on one player then you aren't playing to win the tournament. It depends on the team, not one player,” said the 1983 World Cup winning skipper.
When asked to name his favourites, the legendary all-rounder did not single out one team and maintained that many teams have a fair chance.
"Three or four teams have chance. It's a stroke of luck required at the right time," signed off the 60-year-old.
India will play two warm-up fixtures, one against New Zealand tomorrow followed by the next one against Bangladesh on Tuesday. They will begin their campaign on June 5 against South Africa at Southampton.
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