Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly lauded Rohit Sharma’s ‘Men in Blue’ ahead of the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Speaking to media persons after the second semi-final between South Africa and Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president praised Team India, saying they are ‘looking smashing’. Ganguly also extended his best wishes to them before the final.
He added that if the ‘Men in Blue’ continue to play in the same vein as they did in the league phase of the tournament and the semi-final, they will be hard to stop.
When asked about the five-time world champions, Australia, he noted that they are a great team as well.
“India is looking smashing at the moment. I wish them all the best for Ahmedabad. India has played very well in the tournament, and with just one match remaining and Australia standing between them and the World Cup trophy, Ganguly expressed confidence.
If India continues to perform as they have throughout the tournament, then it will be tough to stop them. Ganguly anticipates a competitive match, acknowledging that Australia also has a strong team,” Ganguly said.
Coming into the final-four clash against New Zealand unbeaten, Team India survived some anxious moments to eventually secure a win over the Kiwis. Riding on the world-record 50th ODI century by Virat Kohli, a second successive century this World Cup by Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Shami’s 7-wicket haul, India handed the Kiwis, their nemesis in the 2019 semi-final, a 70-run defeat to secure their passage to the final. At the Eden on Thursday, swashbuckling opener Travis Head led Australia to a three-wicket win over South Africa in the second semi-final to make Sunday’s final.
