The cricket world cup started with hosts England thumping South Africa in world cup opener with a massive margin of 104 runs to start their world cup campaign on a high. The world cup got underway on May 30 and will conclude on July 14, with the finals at the iconic Lord’s in London.
England are the firm favourites to lift the trophy, however some experts claim India to be a force to reckon with alongside Australia who are high in confidence after pipping India 3-2 in India and clean sweeping Pakistan 5-0 in United Arab Emirates(UAE). The returning Steve Smith and David Warner will add more strength to the team.
Gautam Gambhir predicts the semi-finalists
The former India cricketer, who was recently elected from the East Delhi constituency of Delhi in the general elections opined- India, Australia, England and New Zealand will make it to the last four of the tournament.
Gambhir said that the intensity of Virat Kohli will be key to India’s chances in the tournament “I am not sure if Madame Tussauds, London has a statue of Virat Kohli. The one in New Delhi has him. It’s a brilliant job but it misses Virat’s intensity; the energy in his pose is not there. India are one of my four semi-finalists. But for that to happen, Virat’s intensity is key,” Gambhir wrote in his column for Times of India.
The 37-year-old also backed a resurgent Australia to make the semi-finals of the show piece event. He has praised Aussie coach Justin Langer for his management skills that has done wonders for the Kangaroos.
England will enjoy the home advantage and their consistency in the recent while makes them the top favourites to win the tournament. New Zealand made it to the finals of the last edition and they will be eager to go one step forward and finally win the cup.
