Sachin Tendulkar makes big predictions for World Cup 2019
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Shane Warne, and many other cricketing stalwarts have made big predictions for the mega event, the ICC World Cup 2019.
Ex-Cricketers and their predictions are valued a lot. Why? It’s because, they have been associated with the sport for such a long time, and they know exactly, what can happen in the cricketing arena.
So, does their prediction include the team you are hooting for? Hang on, and scroll along to know the same.
SACHIN TENDULKAR
The ‘God of Cricket’ looks pretty optimistic about Team India‘s chances at the World Cup. The master blaster has voiced out his opinion that India posses one of the most balanced squads in the whole tournament.
Rightly so, Team India posses a top-notch top 3, the genius of MS Dhoni behind the stumps, the spin-twins and a pace attack to be proud of.
In addition to that, there is an in-form Hardik Pandya and a certain Kedar Jadhav with his street smart skills.
He also predicted India, England, Australia and either of New Zealand or Pakistan as the fourth semifinalist for World Cup 2019.
I have gone on record saying that we (India) have a perfect balance in the team where we will be competitive in any part of the world or on any surface. As far as our chances are concerned, I will not hesitate in saying that we are the favourites – Sachin Tendulkar
SHANE WARNE
Next up is one of Sachin’s most fierce rivals on the field, Shane Warne. The spin wizard believes Team Australia can clinch their sixth World Cup title if their selectors play their part.
David Warner and Steven Smith’s return to the squad is so vital for the Aussies going into such a big tournament.
Their middle-order seems settled and their pace battery is second to none. Moreover, they have good spin twins in the form of Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon.
As I’m putting my #worldcup squad together for my column, I really believe Aust can win it again. As we have the players for the conditions, match winners etc. I think England & India go in as hot favourites, but if the selectors play their part – then the Aussies can 100% win !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 5, 2019
MICHAEL VAUGHAN
The former England skipper has been very vocal regarding Team England‘s fortunes in this ICC World Cup. His predictions maybe 3 months old, but they are bold. He predicts an India vs England final with England lifting the World Cup.
Not many would disagree with him, considering the brand of cricket England have been playing for the past 3 years. An aggressive top-order, a reliable Root to rotate around, a whole lot of potential match-winners in the form of All-rounders, and a good versatile bowling attack is what they are made up of.
The home team is one of the favorites of many to lift the World Cup. What do you reckon of Team England’s chances?
100 days till England go about Winning the World Cup … #Hublot @hublot … Beating India in the final is my prediction … !!!! #HublotLovesCricket #Lords https://t.co/OdoiSkXt6L
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 19, 2019
RAHUL DRAVID
The ‘Wall’ has predicted India as one of the favorites going into the mega event.
Rahul Dravid recently traveled to England with his India A squad, and is quite familiar with the condition, pitch behavior and the weather. So, his predictions hold quite a lot of value.
I think India are playing very good cricket at the moment and go in as one of the favourites- Rahul Dravid
RICKY PONTING
The two time World Cup winning captain has his say on the World Cup campaign.
Surprisingly, Ponting backs England in the World Cup. He has also been heard speaking highly of other teams including India, Australia, SA, and the Kiwis.
He also cautioned regarding the round-robin format and the possibility of upsets from different teams.
Initially, it would be England for two reasons. England have started playing well in limited overs and the tournament will be played on home. Naturally, they will have some home advantage. But they will be challenged by India and Australia- Ricky Ponting
NASSER HUSSAIN
As obvious as it gets, Nasser Hussain claims Team England as sure-shot favorites for the WC. But, the real catch is he has also predicted England emerging victorious in the Ashes series that’s scheduled after the World Cup.
England seems to be the absolute favorite for the World Cup. Is this gonna pump them up and intensify their campaign or is the pressure going to catch up and make them flounder their advantages?
The answers are soon going to be evident as the World Cup starts on May 30.
I see England as favourites for both, but they’re only going to win if everyone’s fresh and raring to go- Naseer Hussain
ADAM GILCHRIST
Australia great, Adam Gilchrist makes a very bold prediction regarding the World Cup.
He believes Australia can go all the way to win the tournament. However, he also predicted that South Africa and England may struggle in the knockouts, succumbing to the pressure.
A two time World Cup winner himself, Adam knows a thing or two about being under pressure, and we believe he has made a valid point.
Australia. Certainly on paper they’re as competitive as anyone with the names that are there now and the momentum they built up in the one-day format once they left Australian shores- Adam Gilchrist
SHAUN POLLOCK
South African legend, Shaun Pollock joins the bandwagon to claim India and England as the favorites for the World Cup.
Besides, he also feels other teams will be wary of Warner and Smith’s return to the Australian squad. Likewise, he also acknowledged the kind of positive cricket the Kiwis are playing in recent times.
So, we reckon these are the 4 teams Shaun Pollock believes will make it to the semi-finals. So, how are your predictions matching up with these of the legends of the game?
Australia struggled recently, but I believe the return of Steve Smith and David Warner will make a big difference. New Zealand are currently playing good cricket but I do think India and England are the favourites to win the event- Shaun Pollock
SOURAV GANGULY
The Prince of Indian Cricket, Sourav Ganguly has predicted the four semi-finalists for the World Cup.
He also believes India to win the title for the third time. However, like many others, he has cautioned the teams regarding the round-robin format and went on record to voice out that this World Cup will be the most keenly contested edition.
In addition to the prediction, Sourav Ganguly also has challenged Virat and his men to win the title and celebrate it by waving their shirts at the Lord’s balcony.
What do you think of that challenge? It sure is fun to imagine, Virat and his boys waving their shirts off, but we wish the imagination comes true.
My pick for the four semifinalists spot would be India, Australia, England and Pakistan. India are one of the title-contenders of course- Sourav Ganguly
VVS LAXMAN
The Indian legend, VVS Laxman revealed that his favorites to win the title are England and India. His favorites are the teams that are ranked number one and two on the ICC ODI Team Rankings.
Likewise, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be the favorites.
India and England are favourites. Being an Indian, I want India to win – VVS Laxman
His words reflect his thoughts and it is similar among millions of cricket fanatics around the world.
CONCLUSION
We wind up on the predictions made by the legends of the sport. The prediction game sounded a lot obvious, but Cricket is an unpredictable sport.
We are assured of some high scoring thrillers, close run chases, individual brilliance, major upsets and a lot more as we are just 6 days away from the commencement of the World Cup 2019.
With all due respect to each and every team, we too predict the obvious. England and India are our favorites too to win the title. We wish all the teams the very best going into the World Cup.
Please comment down below your opinions on the predictions. Voice out who your top 4 teams at the World Cup are. Also, do check out our latest article on the top 5 moments for World Cup 1999.
READ MORE: ICC WC Reminiscence: Top 5 Memorable Moments- ICC World Cup 1999
Lakshman is an 18-year-old cricket fanatic. Just like millions of fans, his love for cricket is unparalleled. He has a passion for writing, and his emotion for the sport can be seen in his words.
