IND vs AUS, World Cup 2023: This is India's best bet to win, says Mohammed kaif as India eye 3rd title glory

World Cup 2023: India is set to face Australia for the finals of ODI World Cup, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Mohammed Kaif opines that it's India's best chance to lift the trophy with all players being in great form.

Rohit Sharma and Co. set to face Australia in World Cup 2023 final (Source: Reuters)

The Cricketing world awaits with bated breath as India face the five-time champions Australia in the World Cup 2023 finals at the iconic Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad.

Speaking to Star Sports, former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif gave words of wisdom to the Indian team ahead of the summit clash.

"Let me remind you that nobody remembers the number 2. I'll give an instance of where once I was standing with Ravi Shastri, and the interviewer referred to him as a World Cup winner, and my name was not included there as I had lost the 2003 World Cup, and nobody remembers the losers when interviews will happen after 20 years of the events, but the winning team and players are always remembered and cherished, " said Rohit Sharama.

India won their last ODI World Cup in 2011 under MS Dhoni's captaincy, which happened in India. Ever since, India has been knocked out in the semi-finals. In the 2015 edition, Australia knocked India out, who were the eventual champions, and in 2019, India was knocked out by New Zealand.

Mohammed Kaif further heaped praise on Rohit Sharma's leadership role and his ability to bat aggressively in the powerplay.

"Rohit scored 500 runs in the previous World Cup, but India did not win it. He scored well, scored a few centuries and played really well in seaming conditions, but all that has happened in the past now. He wants to win the World Cup here, and he has a different role here as a captain and a leader, and the team has played well with both the batters and the bowlers being in form." said Mohammed Kaif.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are among the top scorers of the tournament with 530 and 711 runs respectively. There have been crucial contributions from India's middle order with quickfire knocks by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Among the bowlers, Mohammed Shami is the top-wicket taker of the tournament, having played just six matches, he has picked up 23 wickets.

Mohammed Kaif reckoned that this is India's best chance to lift the coveted World Cup trophy with every player being in form.
"The way Rohit has led from the front and played his shots while batting, and how Virat Kohli has scored 700 runs with all the other players also contributing so well, it will be very hard to get a team as well performing as this in the next World Cup, and hence this is our best chance to win the World Cup. It's now or never," Said Rohit Sharma.

The ICC event title has evaded India since a decade, Champions Trophy 2023 was India's last win in a final in an ICC event. India would look to bury the ghosts of 2003 ODI World Cup finals against Australia and bask in the World Cup glory for the 3rd time.