ODI World Cup 2023: Sachin Tendulkar picks semi-finalists for marquee event

After a lot of anticipation and waiting with bated breath, the ODI World Cup 2023 finally commenced with defending champions England getting annihilated by New Zealand in the first match on Thursday, October 5, in Ahmedabad.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar carried the World Cup trophy out onto the pitch to signal the start of the showpiece event, which is being exclusively hosted by India for the first time. He said that the experience was 'surreal' and reminisced about India's quarter-final iconic win against Australia in the 2011 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad.

"It was a surreal experience to carry that trophy out on the field. We ended up playing here, a quarter-final against Australia, and that night was a special night for us. To come back here, same stadium, 12 years down the line. Something nice has happened actually. Before 2011, no host nation had won the tournament. Post that, all home nations have won. India’s hosting so, keeping those fingers crossed," Tendulkar said while interacting with ICC's Digital Insider.

India without any doubt. We have a very, very good, balanced team: Sachin Tendulkar

The 'Master Blaster' also joined many other experts as far as making a prediction for the semi-finalists of the ODI World Cup 2023 was concerned. He picked hosts India, five-time champions Australia, defending champions England, and last edition's finalist New Zealand as his four teams to reach the last-four stage and also explained the reasons behind his picks.

“India without any doubt. We have a very, very good, balanced team. So is the case with Australia, I feel they have a balanced team. The third one I would say would be England. England again are a very strong team, a combination of experience and some new faces. My fourth team would be New Zealand. They have played the finals in 2015 and 2019. If you look at their track record, New Zealand in world championships have always done well and I see them getting to the semis," Tendulkar concluded.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule