Cricket News

‘One great recognises another greats’ – Fans react as Muttiah Muralitharan picks his best batters ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Published on October 1, 2023

All the cricket teams are gearing up for the ODI World Cup 2023, set to commence in host country India on October 5. Rohit Sharma and Co. are all set to enter as favourites owing to their past clinical performances as well as the top spot in the ODI rankings. As the tournament is looming around the corner, a multitude of experts have started sharing their best batters and favourite teams who can win the marquee event.

Notably, former Sri Lankan star Muttiah Muralitharan is one of them. The star cricketer was asked about his best batters in the world during his recent interview. The former spinner came up with a wonderful reply. The legendary cricketer has picked Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar as his all-time favourite batter while mentioning former India skipper Virat Kohli as his current favourite batsman.

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old legend also talked about his four picks to win the ODI World Cup in 2023. Notably, the Kandy-born cricketer mentioned Team India at the first spot while affirming that Rohit Sharma and Co. are the very good side. The former right-arm spinner feels India is a favourite as the host, and they have hopes of billions of people, which is the biggest boost for their side.

I think India are biggest favourite to win the ODI World Cup 2023: Muttiah Muralitharan

“In this World Cup, the advantage is more to India and the reason is that it is a very good side. Then they have a home advantage; billion people positive waves, wherever you go you see Indian crowd and it gives a boost to the players….I think they are the biggest favourite,” Muttiah Muralitharan said.

However, the iconic cricketer also mentioned Australia, England, and Pakistan, after Team India, as the favourites to lift the trophy of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Sri Lanka coach feels that luck plays an important role in winning the game, citing the example of the 2019 ODI World Cup final game between England and New Zealand.

“Australia will be a favourite, England will be a favourite and Pakistan can also be a favourite. Four favourites, I am picking,” Muttiah Muralitharan said. You have to have luck, it is important. England won the last World Cup out of luck or New Zealand would have clearly won that World Cup,” he added further.

Check out how fans have reacted after his statement: