Team that beats India will win the World Cup: Salman Butt

The 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup is less than two weeks away and the excitement levels among the fans are at an all-time high. Experts have been busy predicting the outcome of the marquee event, naming the favourites, and analyzing their strong and weak points.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently stated in a tweet that hosts India are the team to beat in the tournament and reckoned that the team who could beat the 'Men in Blue' could go on to bag the title. Now, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has echoed the remarks of Vaughan and mentioned that if India don't commit mistakes, it would be very difficult for other teams to beat them.

"India are the only one in world cricket to have this ultimate rise. Everyone is talking about four teams to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup. However, what I believe is that the team that beats India will win the World Cup. India are the best team. Their batting is complete, and their bowling is most suitable to these conditions. Unless they themselves make mistakes, it is unlikely that any team will be even near them," Butt said on his YouTube channel.

Everything related to cricket in India is top-notch: Salman Butt

Butt noted that the cricket environment in India has improved substantially over the last few years, with players putting great emphasis on fitness and uplifting the fielding standards. The southpaw went on to praise India's infrastructure, commentators, as well as their kits.

"India have improved significantly over the past few years. The fitness levels of these players are far better than what we say 15 years back. Similarly, the fielding standards have also improved. From infrastructure to commentators to experts to their kit, everything related to cricket in India is top-notch," the ex-Pakistan skipper added.

Rohit Sharma and Co. will enter the ODI World Cup as the No. 1-ranked side in all three formats of the game. Their campaign in the 10-team tournament begins with a clash against five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8.