Legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar believes his countrymen are the favourites for the 2019 ICC World Cup to be held in England.
Virat Kohli and his men have been on a roll in the ODI format for some time now and showed their credentials with an impressive 4-1 series victory over the Blackcaps in New Zealand.
The comprehensive victory over New Zealand means that the Men in Blue have now won a staggering 12 out of their last 13 bilateral series in the format since the turn of 2016. The period also includes winning the Asia Cup title in 2018 along with a runners-up finish in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Tendulkar, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup win at home, feels the current side has the ‘perfect’ balance to perform in any given condition when it comes to one-day cricket.
“I have gone on record saying that we have a perfect balance in the team where we will be competitive in any part of the world or on any surface,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
“As far as our chances are concerned, I will not hesitate in saying that we are the favourites,” he added.
Tendulkar is backing Kohli’s men to do the job in England.
The iconic Indian batsman believes that India’s greatest challenge in the World Cup will come from hosts England who are ranked No1 in the format while he has tagged New Zealand as one of the dark horses.
“It’s all about getting the early momentum. My judgement on the toughest contenders would be England, while New Zealand would be the dark horse,” Tendulkar stated.
“I know New Zealand have struggled in this series but it’s a good unit, one needs to be on their toes.”
The 2019 edition of the World Cup will get underway on May 30 this year with India opening their campaign on June 5 at Southampton against South Africa.
