ODI World Cup 2023

'Don't underestimate dark horse NZ' - Fans warn Virender Sehwag as he overlooks New Zealand from prediction of 2023 World Cup semi-finalists

Virender Sehwag has named his four probable sides to feature in the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals on Tuesday.

author-image
Akshay
New Update
Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag (Source: Twitter)

Virender Sehwag Virender Sehwag (Source: Twitter)

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has named his four probable sides to compete in the Men's ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals. On Tuesday, June 27, the Cricket Governing Body revealed the much-awaited schedule for the 50-over mega tournament. England and New Zealand, the finalists of the previous edition, will clash in the curtain-raiser at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5.

Speaking at a panel in Mumbai where the World Cup schedule was announced, Sehwag named five-time champions Australia, defending champions England, 1992 winners Pakistan, and hosts India as his favourites to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup. The right-handed batter attended the event along with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan, Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jai Shah and Cricket Governing Body CEO Jeff Aldridge.

Muralitharan was also asked to pick his four teams during the Q&A session, and the off-spinner made the same prediction: India, Australia, England and Pakistan. Reacting to this, Sehwag made a funny jab at Muralitharan, saying, "At least you can lie a bit and add Sri Lanka."

Everybody will look to win World Cup for Virat Kohli: Sehwag

The 2011 ODI World Cup winner said the entire nation would want to see Virat Kohli lift the prestigious trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where the final will be held on November 19. Speaking at the event, Sehwag also recalled the moment when he and his teammates won the title for the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in 2011.

"We played that World Cup for Tendulkar. If we won the World Cup, it would have been a great exit for Sachin paaji. Virat Kohli is the same now. Everybody will look to win the World Cup for him. He always gives more than 100 percent," Sehwag told Star Sports.

"I think Virat Kohli is also looking to this World Cup. 100,000 people will watch you at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat knows how the pitches will behave. I am sure he will score a lot of runs and he will do his best to win the World Cup for India," he added.

Here's how fans reacted to Virender Sehwag's 2023 World Cup semi-final prediction:

India Virender Sehwag World CUP 2023