Former skipper Sourav Ganguly believes Australia, England along with India are the favourites to qualify for the semi-finals of the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5. He also added saying that one can never count New Zealand out of the equation and also hopes Pakistan makes it to the next round so that the fans can enjoy India versus Pakistan classic thriller.
Notably, if India would be scheduled to take on Pakistan in the semi-finals, the match will then be played at the Eden Gardens, in Sourav’s home city of Kolkata. Thus, he remains excited about a possible opportunity of an India versus Pakistan clash at the iconic Eden Gardens.
“It’s very hard to say. Australia, England, India. You can never underestimate New Zealand in these big matches. I will pick five, and include Pakistan also. Pakistan better qualify so that we will have the India-Pakistan semi-final at the Eden Gardens (laughs),” Ganguly was quoted as saying by RevSportz.
Ganguly opens up on India’s failure in marquee tournaments
The former cricketer believes that there’s no mental pressure as such on the Indian players as they are very strong in that regard but added saying that the players have failed to execute well in high-pressure situations. He also added that the team will be under some pressure this time around as the tournament is being played in India but believes that the players can cope with it.
“Pressure will always be there. When they played before also, there was pressure. Rohit Sharma has five centuries in the last ODI World Cup. I am sure there must have been pressure on him then also. Pressure is not a problem. I am sure they will find a way to succeed. During Rahul Dravid’s playing days, there was pressure to perform, and now that he is the head coach, there is pressure on him to deliver. That will not go away, and I don’t think pressure is an issue.
We don’t perform well sometimes, in crucial phases. I don’t feel it is mental pressure, but all about execution. They are mentally strong people. Hopefully, they will cross the line soon,” Ganguly added.
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