If there is a team that can go undefeated through the tournament, it is this Indian side. I think this is the best-ever Indian World Cup team, based on the skillsets. There is a great depth of talent and some very good players waiting in the wings to get their opportunity. It’s a shame that Hardik Pandya is unavailable at the moment with an ankle strain. He is a very talented all-rounder, a key player, and India will need him when it comes to the crunch. He is a quality medium-pacer, a dynamic batsman and a great finisher. I like his attitude; he has strong body language and presence on the field and he makes things happen. He adds to the balance, he is very athletic and is always in the game.

My semi-finalists as things stand are India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand have a hard run-in home with matches against Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and an improving Sri Lanka. They need to win two of those to guarantee a place in the semis. Australia have got their game together and are a real threat. The top and middle order is functioning well, they have a very good pace attack and Adam Zampa, the leg-spinner who seemed down on confidence early on, is excelling at the moment. From a New Zealand point of view, I hope they avoid India in the semis but I am picking India to win a third World Cup.

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Shocking crusade

As for England, the defending champions have had an absolutely shocking campaign. Their positive and bullish batting approach hasn’t worked in the subcontinent and I am sure a lot of questions will be asked about that.

Chivach Sports