‘If they miss out this time, they will have to wait for at least three World Cups’ - Ravi Shastri warns India ahead of semi-finals

The Indian team has been in sensational form at the ODI World Cup 2023, staying unbeaten in the tournament so far after eight matches. The Men in Blue have been branded heavy favourites to go all the way and clinch the ODI world title for the third time in history. 

Ahead of the knockout stages of the tournament, former Indian cricketer and former coach Ravi Shastri came forward to talk about the side’s chances in the tournament and issued a warning that if they do not win it in 2023, they will have to wait another three-four World Cups before even thinking of trying to win a title.

"This country is going mad. The last time they won was 12 years ago. They have an opportunity to do it again. The way they are playing, this is probably their best chance. If they miss out this time, they would probably have to wait another three World Cups before even thinking of trying to win it. The pool of players is such that 7-8 players are at their peak," said Shastri said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. 

This could very well be their last World Cup: Ravi Shastri

Furthermore, Shastri stated that the World Cup is extra crucial for the players as it could be their last ever before they retire. Opining that the Indian team has the players to go all the way, it could be interesting to see how the Men in Blue fare in the knockout stages. 

"This could well be their last World Cup. The way they are playing, given the conditions, they have got the team to win it,” Shastri said.

Shastri also heaped praise on team India’s bowling attack. The trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have been absolutely exceptional for the Men in Blue in the tournament, and talking of the same attack, Shastri stated that it is extraordinary how the bowling attack has performed. 

"It is extraordinary and it has taken time, it has not happened overnight. They have been playing with each (of them) for four to five years. Siraj joined the party three years ago, they know the kind of areas to hit on a consistent basis. They know it is not important to look flashy when you bowl. It is more about consistency and getting the ball in the right areas,” Shastri said.