Sourav Ganguly picks top semi-finalists for 2023 ODI World Cup in India

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly picked his semi-finalists for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Ganguly believes Australia, England along with India are the favourites to qualify for the semi-finals of the marquee event. He also added that the runners-up of the previous edition New Zealand cannot be put out of the equation but he also wants to witness the India-Pakistan encounter in the World Cup semi-final.

However, it is noted that if India meet Pakistan in the semi-final, the match will take place at the Eden Gardens in Ahmedabad irrespective of the position in the points table. The decision has been taken because of security concerns. As Kolkata is also the home city of the former cricketer, he seems to be excited about the epic encounter at the historic Eden Gardens.

‘Pressure will always be there’ – Ganguly

“It’s very hard to say. Australia, England, India. You can never underestimate New Zealand in these big matches. I will pick five, and include Pakistan also. Pakistan better qualify so that we will have the India-Pakistan semi-final at the Eden Gardens (laughs),” Ganguly was quoted as saying by RevSportz.

“Pressure will always be there. When they played before also, there was pressure. Rohit Sharma has five centuries in the last ODI World Cup. I am sure there must have been pressure on him then also. Pressure is not a problem. I am sure they will find a way to succeed. During Rahul Dravid’s playing days, there was pressure to perform, and now that he is the head coach, there is pressure on him to deliver. That will not go away, and I don’t think pressure is an issue.

We don’t perform well sometimes, in crucial phases. I don’t feel it is mental pressure, but all about execution. They are mentally strong people. Hopefully, they will cross the line soon,” he further added.

The 2023 World Cup will kickstart on October 5th with a match between England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The hosts India will begin their camping on October 8th with a match against Australia at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The most-awaited India-Pakistan match will take place in Ahmedabad on 15th October 2023.