ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Sourav Ganguly reveals who will be a threat to Team India

Kolkata, Oct 28: In their bid to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian Cricket Team faces formidable challenges from Australia and South Africa, according to former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly.

India - who are being led by Rohit Sharma - are unbeaten in the competition with five wins in as many games but despite their formidable performance, they must keep a close eye on these two cricket powerhouses.

Australia, the five-time World Cup champions, had a wobbly start with back-to-back defeats against India and South Africa. However, they've found their groove with an impressive four-match winning streak that has propelled them into the top four of the rankings.

South Africa are sitting at the top of the team standings following their nail-biting win over Pakistan in Chennai. The Proteas are brimming with confidence in the ongoing ten-team showpiece with 5 wins in six games and a better net run rate.

Highlighting the resurgence of Australia in the tournament, Ganguly stated, "Australia and South Africa will be the two biggest challengers for India. They have bounced back really well and are playing really good cricket."

The Pat Cummins-led side on Saturday (October 28) defeated trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in a last-over thriller at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and secured four straight wins in the tournament. The Aussies are looking like a team to beat now.

"They have bounced back really well and are playing really good cricket. Today's win (against New Zealand) was really thrilling," Ganguly said in Kolkata.

Australia's victory over the Blackcaps was driven by Travis Head's scintillating 67-ball 109 and David Warner's 65-ball 81, showcasing their batting prowess. This victory came in a nerve-wracking last-ball finish.

South Africa, often labeled as 'chokers' due to their past performances, have shattered this reputation with dominant batting displays in the tournament. Ganguly, in recognition of their stellar performance, has placed the Proteas at the forefront of competition, even at the expense of defending champions England.

Despite their recent success, Ganguly believes India is a strong contender in the tournament. India's second position in the rankings and their consistency demonstrate their prowess.

However, Ganguly remains cautious and acknowledges the challenging road ahead, stating, "India is a strong side and is doing well. But championship is too far, first, they have to get past the knockout stage."

Adding to India's concerns is the injury to their premier all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, who is nursing a ligament tear and is expected to miss several matches. Ganguly emphasised Pandya's importance to the team but reaffirmed India's strength in depth.

Ganguly acknowledged the substantial presence of Bangladeshi supporters at the World Cup match hosted at Eden Gardens. Nearly 70 percent of the 15,202-strong crowd in the game against the Netherlands were Bangladeshi fans. Their passionate support and Bangladesh's spirited performance on the field have garnered attention and admiration.

The former captain expressed his hope for even greater attendance in the upcoming Pakistan-Bangladesh game, signifying the power of cricket to unite fans from different nations. Ganguly, clearly pleased with the vibrant cricketing atmosphere, left with a hopeful note for more exciting matches to come.