‘If Indian team does not win this World Cup..’ - Sunil Gavaskar's strong words ahead of Pakistan clash

Sunil Gavaskar, team India (Image Source: Twitter)

India, unfortunately, is not the favourite this year to win the 20-20 World Cup. After bowing of the Asia Cup 2022 in the Super 4 stage, many former cricketers from the country opined that the Indian team might not win the showpiece event as well. 

While many of them ruled India out of the summit clash, Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricketer, said that he would be surprised if India doesn’t win the title given the number of preparations that they have undergone. 

Reasonably, the Men in Blue reached Australia 2 weeks in advance and the Indian skipper said that the decision was taken to get accustomed to the weather. Moreover, India even managed to win the warm-up game against Australia on October 17, Monday. 

The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma will begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. With many fresh faces in the squad, it remains to see if the current team, under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, can make it through to the finals and win the trophy after 15 years. 

They also played six T20 matches at home: Gavaskar

The former Indian cricketer said in his column on Mid-Day that the Indian team have won the series against South Africa and Australia. He added that the team must win the World Cup. Gavaskar further said that if the team fails to clinch the title, it will not be because of a lack of preparations. 

“One thing for sure. If the Indian team does not win this T20 World Cup it won't be for lack of preparation. Not only have they gone to Australia almost three weeks before their first game of the tournament, they are also playing practice games against good sides that should get them ready for the tournament,” Gavaskar said in his column on Mid-Day. 

“The old saying, 'if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail' will not apply to this Indian team as, apart from these games in Australia, they also played six T20 matches at home and won four out of those to show that they are tuning in nicely for the big event,” said the former Indian cricketer.