I see India qualifying for the semis – Sanjay Manjrekar backs Rohit Sharma’s team to make the last four of World Cup 2023

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind India to qualify for the semifinals of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Team India had qualified for the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup but they were beaten by New Zealand.

In fact, India has been consistently qualifying for knockout stages of the major ICC events but they have not been able to go all the way. Ergo, the Rohit Sharma-led team will be looking to break that hoodoo and win their third World Cup title.

Furthermore, India will look to make the most of their own conditions. The hosts have the squad to deliver the goods on the big stage and it will be about executing their skills in big matches.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I see India qualifying for the semis but it’s the challenges post the semis that India will have to contend with. There are some good sides around so it’s not going to be easy but it’s a good enough side to win the World Cup and it’s all about the big night.”

On the other hand, former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody reckons India’s chances of going all the way will depend on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, who has recently made a return to International cricket. Bumrah picked up four wickets in two T20Is against Ireland in the recent series.

“They definitely have a squad that can win the World Cup. Home advantage is a big one for India. A lot is going to depend on the fitness and longevity of Bumrah. He holds such an important key for India because of his high quality impact early and also to close the innings,” he said.

Moody added that it will be imperative for India to have their key players fit for the upcoming ODI showpiece.

“It’s going to be a difficult World Cup in making sure you keep your bowlers fit because it’s a long campaign but India certainly have got the diversity in their side. It’s just the case of them making sure they have their key players fit, particularly their bowlers,” said Moody.

India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.

India’s Squad for ODI World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah