'ICC will help India': Virender Sehwag makes big claim about Team India's journey to World Cup final

Virender Sehwag has made a huge claim about Team India's World Cup 2023 contention. The Men in Blue have got off to a perfect start as they have attained a 6-wicket win over the daunting Australian side. The win over the Aussies could lift the entire team and according to Sehwag, the Rohit Sharma-led side could go all the way this World Cup. Moreover, he also stated that the team may reach there with the help of the primary body of the sport- the International Cricket Council.

3 things you need to know

• India commenced World Cup 2023 operations with a win over Australia
• India won by 6 wickets
• KL Rahul and Virat Kohli added 165 runs for the 4th wicket to take the game away from the Aussies

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Virender Sehwag contemplates the role ICC could play that favors Team India

As per Sehwag, it is in the best interest of the ICC, if India goes deep in the tournament. He feels India's progress is directly proportional to the monetary gains and hence the ICC would want to see India through. Moreover, he also stated that the premier body may give the Men in Blue an edge by preparing pitches that suit the Indian players.

“I know the producer will cut my statement but I believe ICC will help India in winning the World Cup. They will use the local groundsmen to prepare tracks. It would be good for the ICC if India reach the last stage of the tournament as their ratings would go high. The pitches for the semis and finals will be prepared according to the benefit of the Men in Blue,” he said during a Cricbuzz show.

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Team India off to a perfect start

Team India started the campaign on a winning note. The side defeated the 5-time champions comprehensively by 6-wickets. Spinners played a pivotal role in the team's victory in Chennai. All three of the turners- Ravindra Jadeja (3), Kuldeep Yadav (2), and Ravichandran Ashwin(1)- picked up a combined 6 wickets, and in the process devastated the Australian batting line-up. Australia could only manage to score 199 runs on the board.

Chasing 200, India endured a tough initial spell, losing 3 wickets in quick succession. But Virat Kohli and KL Rahul rose to the occasion to help India garner a handsome victory. KL Rahul was adjudged man of the match for his 97-run knock and Virat Kohli contributed significant 85 runs to the total.