India is an excellent cricket team, they will be favourites going into the World Cup: Eoin Morgan

Ahead of the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup, former England cricketer Eoin Morgan spoke about why the World Cup remains the peak of the sport despite ODIs becoming less common. Notably, the 2023 World Cup is slated to be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

Morgan has picked his World Cup favourites, stating he is confident that defending champions England and the hosts India would remain alive after the league stage matches. The 36-year-old also stated that Australia and Pakistan have the potential to win the trophy, noting that they may have a class of players who can excel in India's playing conditions. 

“When it comes to the business end of the tournament, I have no doubt England will be there, I have no doubt India will be there. And the other teams I would probably see potentially lifting the trophy are Australia and Pakistan, two very very strong teams, and two contenders when it comes to big competitions.”

“They have a lot of talent to work with. Playing cricket in India, particularly the 50-over format, you need to have all bases covered, and I would say those teams do,” Morgan said during an interview with WION.

Morgan speaks about India's chances in the upcoming World Cup

When asked about his expectations for team India’s World Cup performance, Morgan was full of praise for the host team, claiming they will undoubtedly be favourites of the tournament. Notably, India have struggled in ICC events since their Champions Trophy triumph in 2013. The former England white-ball captain also reflected on MS Dhoni's era when the team won its second ICC title under him in 2011.

“They’re an excellent cricket team that I believe will be favourites going into the World Cup. You don’t have to rewind the clock back that far when MS Dhoni was captain back in 2011, and that magical moment for all Indian fans when he hit that ball over long-on for six, and India lifted the trophy.”

The 36-year-old further noted that India will definitely have the home advantage and suggested how to approach the showpiece event. 

“Home advantage is quite a key thing, but if you were to advise anything you would say engage with the people who were there, and were leaders throughout that journey, and pick their brain. The likes of Virat Kohli played in that team and has first-hand experience of what it is like. It is going to be a hell of a tournament that I am looking forward to,” he added.