Legendary West Indies batter Chris Gayle has predicted Virat Kohli will dominate the ODI World Cup 2023. There will be huge expectations from Virat Kohli and he will look to be at his best for the team in the ODI showpiece.
Kohli has performed consistently in the last decade, especially in the ODI format in the Indian conditions. The talisman has a superb record in the 50-overs and he is going to hold key to India’s chances in the World Cup.
Kohli has amassed 12898 runs in 274 ODI matches at a magnificent average of 57.32 and a strike rate of 93.63. The veteran has been a force to reckon with in the ODI format and he will want to help India go all the way in the favorable conditions.
In fact, Kohli went through a rough patch in the last couple of years but he has certainly returned to his best in the ODI form. Kohli scored a couple of fine centuries against Sri Lanka earlier in the year and would want to carry the good show in the World Cup.
”Tough times don’t last long tough players last longer. Virat is tough mentally as well physically. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t go to this World Cup and dominate,” Gayle told PTI news agency.
“As players, we always go through phases where things seem a bit dull and you need positive energy around to uplift yourself. Once we get back in the groove, we know how dangerous we can be,” he added.
On the other hand, India had clinched the World Cup when they last hosted the marquee event in 2011. The Rohit Sharma-led team will once again look to replicate the same success and Gayle feels pressure will be on India to deliver in their own conditions. In fact, India’s last win in a major ICC event came back in 2013 when they lifted the Champions Trophy under the leadership of former skipper MS Dhoni.
“I know India have not won an ICC trophy in a long time and same is the case with us (West Indies). We last won in 2016. Pressure will be on India as they play at home as favorites,” Gayle added.
India will begin their ODI World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.
