England's World Cup-bound star all-rounder picks Team India as favorites to lift WC trophy

The ICC ODI World Cup is now less than 24 hours away, and the defending champions, England, are set to knock horns against the last edition’s runners-up, New Zealand, in India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5, 2023. The wait for the prestigious competition is now over; the final of the competition will be played on November 17, 2023. 

3 things you need to know 

• Team India's warm-up match against England ended in no result
• England vs New Zealand will be played tomorrow 
• England are the defending champions of the ICC ODI World Cup 

Also Read: From Kuldeep Yadav to Mark Wood, top bowlers to watch out for at the Cricket World Cup 2023

Sam Curran picks Team India as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 winner 

With the goal of defending the championship they won in 2019, England is among the leading competitors going into the competition. Sam Curran, a well-known player on England's all-star team, doesn't think his team is the favorites to take home the championship, though. Rather, he has determined that India is the undisputed leader.

Sam Curran, a pacer for the Punjab Kings, stated in an interview with GQ Magazine that he believes India is the favorite because they are the home team and have performed really well under their own conditions. He said: 

I feel like India being the home side, and with it being their conditions, they're probably the favourites,

'Cricket is religion in India': Sam Curran

Sam Curran also stressed the value of going into the World Cup in India expecting an amazing experience and keeping an open mind. He emphasised the special difficulties and chances that come with performing in India.

Curran also offered some information about Gus Atkinson, who was substituted for Jofra Archer due to an injury. He probably talked about how Atkinson was feeling on his first trip to India, which can be a big adjustment for any international cricket player because of the unique cricketing circumstances and culture of the nation. He added: 

Cricket's a religion (in India) so you've got to go with an open mind, take it all in and expect an amazing experience. For one of my good mates, Gus Atkinson, it's his first time going to India, so he's been asking questions about the conditions, the culture, the people, the fans. People just love the game and when you leave the hotel, you get mobbed by loads of fans, which is amazing. It just shows how much people love and worship cricket in India,

Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket Team: Strength And Weakness Of Dasun Shanaka And Co. For ODI World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Tam India will be facing England on October 29, 2023, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Their warm-up match last week ended with no result after rain played a spoiler.