Ashwin reveals psychological tactic used by cricketers to put pressure on India ahead of every World Cup

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Star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reckoned that cricketers around the world keep telling India favourites ahead of every World Cup to put psychological pressure on the Men in Blue and keep them out of the unwanted limelight.

Ashwin, who reportedly could make into the India squad for the World Cup 2023, said Pat Cummins' Australia have a stronger chance than India to win the coveted trophy.

"Going into the ODI World Cup, Australia are one of the favourites. I know people around the world cricket will keep saying India are favourites — in fact, all the cricketers around the world will use this as a strategy and say India are favourites before every ICC event. They use this strategy to reduce the pressure on themselves and put extra pressure on us. India could well be one of the favourites, but Australia also are a powerhouse," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He went on to explain that West Indies dominated world cricket initially before Australia took over and continue to dominate till date.

"I think World Cricket's landscape changed from West Indies being the powerhouse after that World Cup. After that 1983 World Cup, we came close in 1987 as well, but after the 1987 World Cup, Australia became the powerhouse of World Cricket, and they continue to be one of the powerhouses of World Cricket," he added.

Australia will kick off their World Cup 2023 campaign against India on October 8 in Chennai.