'They've also got a very good bowling line-up..' - Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar picks his favourite team for ODI World Cup 2023

The global cricket community is eagerly anticipating the imminent start of the highly awaited ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to kick off on October 5. The inaugural match will witness defending champions England facing off against the first runners-up of the 2019 World Cup, New Zealand, in the cricketing hub of Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, India, as the host nation, is gearing up to commence their campaign against Australia on October 8 in the cricketing stronghold of Chennai.

In the cricketing realm, few opinions carry as much significance as that of former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. Renowned for his insightful analysis, the cricketing legend has placed his confidence in England as the team to watch in this World Cup. The 74-year-old believes that England fields a squad that appears formidable on paper, meeting most of the essential criteria for World Cup glory. The return of the dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes from retirement has further enhanced England's prospects.

"The defending champions, England, because of the kind of talent that they have at, at the top of the order, the batting order, they've got two or three world-class all-rounders who can change the game with both bat and ball. They've also got a very good bowling line-up, an experienced bowling line-up, so at the moment in my book certainly," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar (source: Twitter)

I'm very excited to see how India performs: Irfan Pathan

In contrast, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is firmly supporting India. Pathan believes that the hosts are strategically aligning all the crucial elements required for a successful campaign and are rightfully positioned as one of the top contenders to secure the prestigious major trophy. India's recent success in the Asia Cup 2023 and their impressive series triumph against Australia on home turf just before the World Cup have undeniably enhanced their credentials.

"I'm very excited to see how India performs and I really think they are one of the favourites, for sure because especially last couple of series, like Asia Cup, and the way India played against Australia as well in the home conditions. I think they are ticking all the boxes," the 2007 T20 World Cup winner said.