‘Australia is the strongest team in any tournament’ - Gautam Gambhir gives Indian team a heads up ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently got candid on Star Sports to talk about Team India's performance and what the team needs to do to perform well in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. According to Gambhir, Rohit Sharma and Co. need to defeat Australia to win the World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India across 10 vibrant cities. 

Australia are undoubtedly the most successful team in the ODI World Cup considering they have lifted the title five times and have consistently been the favourites in the tournament. Notably, India and Australia are currently locking horns in a three-match ODI series ahead of the marquee event as the final preparational phase.

The Men in Blue took a 1-0 lead after their convincing five-wicket victory in the first ODI at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday. The cricketing giants will commence their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with a high-voltage clash against each other on 8 October at the M Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. 

IND vs AUS (Source: Twitter)

Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson on India and Australia clash in ODI World Cup  

"Look, I have always said this, and there is no doubt in this, that if you want to win the World Cup, then you have to beat Australia. In 2007 when we won the World Cup, we defeated Australia in the semifinal. In 2011 when we won the World Cup, we beat Australia in the quarterfinal. Australia is the strongest team in any major tournament,” said Gautam Gambhir on Star Sports during the channel’s program ‘Mission World Cup’. 

"Definitely going to back Australia with the caliber of players they have. They have got a few question marks going into this World Cup, for sure, they certainly know how to step up in these big games, And the Indian team, being at home, they'd know the conditions better than anyone, their bowlers are obviously on fire at the moment. So, India with their firepower, especially with their top order in particular, they certainly can go all the way. So, for me, Australia and India would be an incredible final”, said former Australia cricketer Shane Watson.