The start of 2023 has started off red hot for India’s national Cricket team. After a disappointing semi-final loss to England in the T20 World Cup, the team will be looking to continue their form as the ODI World Cup approaches in India this coming Fall.
India has played series this year which include T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and a current Test series against Australia. India has gone 11/13 in all matches played so far. Losing once to Sri Lanka and New Zealand in a T20 match during the series they played. What’s been more amazing for the Indian team is how much of a run difference they have been winning by in some of their matches.
Sri Lanka Series
I had the opportunity to go to my first Indian Cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The energy, passion, and liveliness of Indian fans makes the matches in India an unbelievable experience. All of India’s current matches this year are being played on their soil throughout the country, giving them a great advantage.
India’s star batsman Virat Kolhi who did not play the T20 matches, but the ODI games against Sri Lanka went on a run spree. Kolhi recorded 113 and 166 runs in 2 of the 3 ODI matches, but only recording 4 runs in the other. His return to full form was amazing for all Indian fans to witness.
New Zealand Series
India gave the All Black’s a great deal of trouble during their ODI and T20 series. Only losing once in all formats, it was India’s bowling that really helped win the games. Led by Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and All-Rounder Hardik Pandya, India’s bowling allowed their batting to come in and close games out with ease. The series closed out on February 1st, with India allowing only 66 runs from the All Blacks, and getting all their batsmen out.
India’s Brightest Young Star
The 23-year old batting sensation Shubman Gill has taken the Cricketing world by storm this year. In India’s first ODI game against New Zealand, the young star recorded 208 runs. This impressive record is the 9th highest run scored by a batsman in ODI Cricket. In a T20 match against New Zealand, Gill recorded 126 runs which is very impressive for the shorter format of the game. Gill broke Kolhi’s record for highest individual score in a T20 match.
World Cup 2023
The most prestigious Cricket tournament the ODI World Cup will be hosted in India this coming October. India at the rate it is going should be able to assemble an all-around forceful team. With the right mix of stars, veterans, and young talent, India is early favorites to win the tournament at +240.
India have only won the World Cup in 1983 and in 2011 which was played on their home soil. Cricketers from all other nations dread playing in India due to the electric atmosphere and also the high level talent that India’s Cricketers are able to play at. Bringing back the World Cup trophy on Indian soil could happen without major injuries and in the form they are currently in.
