Former India player and head coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli will capitalize on his menacing touch to knock a century against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The ace hitter recently made history by striking a record 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the semi-finals at Wankhede Stadium.
Virat Kohli has now scored 711 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 2003 total of 673 runs. The former captain has three century in the tournament, the first against Bangladesh in the league stage.
Ravi Shastri told the Times of India in an interview that Kohli is scripting his own narrative, which may have a happy conclusion.
“Kohli is writing his own script, the kind of form he is in. Do not be surprised if another hundred is around the corner. He did it in the semifinals and he might as well do it in the final. There is nothing bigger than that.”
Ravi Shastri
The important matchup in the final would be Australia’s bowling assault vs India’s in-form hitters. So far, most Team India hitters have been among runs, with Rohit Sharma setting the example at the top and the guys who followed seizing on it.
Simultaneously, the Indian bowling attack has been on fire throughout the competition. Their struggle against the aggressive Australian hitters will also be crucial.
Shastri went on to say that the opening 10 overs of the final in both innings were vital.
“I think that the first 10 overs are very crucial. India have got some great starts, especially with the way Rohit has exploded at the top. That makes a difference. Similarly with Australia, if they take off, that will give them a lot of confidence. David Warner, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are dangerous players.”
Ravi Shastri
In a thrilling semi-final match at Eden Gardens, Australia emerged victorious over South Africa, securing a place in the final. The Australian team has been unbeaten in their last eight matches and is now determined to win their sixth ODI World Cup title, which would extend their record.
“This is the best fast-bowling attack India have ever had in white-ball cricket” – Ravi Shastri
As previously said, the Indian bowling assault has been essential in the team’s victory. The speed trio of Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah has wrought havoc, particularly with the new ball. Furthermore, the spin combo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have performed admirably in the middle overs.
Shastri described the current Indian bowling team as the greatest the country has ever had in white-ball cricket, He said:
“This is the best fast-bowling attack India have ever had in white-ball cricket. There are three terrific fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj) and then there are quality spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.”
“The skill sets are so good; it lends you a lot of variety. They do not need a pitch (of a certain type) to suit them; they can go anywhere in this world with this attack.”
Ravi Shastri
On Sunday, the 2023 ODI World Cup final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Team India will face Australia in this thrilling match.