The highly anticipated Cricket World Cup is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide have their eyes glued to the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team. The last time India hosted the Cricket World Cup was in 2011, when MS Dhoni’s Indian cricket team etched their names in history with a triumphant victory. It was India’s second ODI Cricket World Cup win, following the iconic 1983 triumph led by Kapil Dev. As the Cricket World Cup approaches, fans of the Indian cricket team are filled with hope and anticipation, longing for Rohit Sharma’s squad to secure a third ODI Cricket World Cup Trophy.
The spotlight shines on players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the Cricket World Cup kicks off on October 5. In the build-up to this grand event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a video featuring the Indian cricket team, and many fans believe that the video reveals the official jersey that the team will don during the Cricket World Cup. The jersey showcased in the video features tri-colored stripes on the shoulder area, a departure from the three white stripes seen on the jersey worn by India during the Asia Cup.
Renowned Indian all-rounder and World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev recently heaped praise on the Indian team, especially fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, for his outstanding performance that dismantled Sri Lanka and secured India’s eighth Asia Cup title. Following Siraj’s fiery spell, the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan’s flawless partnership led India to victory by ten wickets. Kapil Dev expressed his admiration, saying, “Do you think I need to say anything more than what people are saying? What fantastic cricket being played. I think as a cricketer, I would like to see much closer games towards the World Cup. But as a player, dismiss them for 30 runs and win. But as a spectator, I would say it would be better if the game is close.”
Siraj’s exceptional performance saw him take 6/21 in just seven overs, bowling out the Lankan Lions for a mere 50 runs in 15.2 overs. Kapil Dev lauded this trend of fast bowlers taking wickets in the sub-continent, saying, “I am so happy that in the sub-continent all 10 wickets are being taken by our fast bowlers. I think that it is the cherry on the cake. There was a time when we used to depend on spinners, but it is not anymore. That is why the team has become so good.”
The former Indian skipper emphasized the importance of India securing a spot in the top four in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, set to take place in India from October 5. He acknowledged that while India’s team is strong, there’s much work to be done. He stated, “I think if we come in the top 4, that is more important. You cannot say, right now, we are favorites. Our team is very good. We have to work very hard. I know about my team. I do not know about other teams…Indian team is ready to play and win the Championship. More than India winning the World Cup, I want them to come out (to) dominate. I think that is what we look for in the future. I think the Indian team, as far as I am concerned, is ready to play and win the World Cup.”
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, Indian cricket fans eagerly await the chance to see their team don the innovative new jersey and compete on the world stage. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, India’s prospects in the tournament appear promising, and the fans’ expectations run high.