Amidst the fervor surrounding the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023, which commenced in India on October 5 with the clash between England and New Zealand clash at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has made a significant prediction about the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
The tournament features ten powerhouse teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. A total of ten venues across India have been chosen to host the World Cup matches, adding to the grandeur and diversity of the event. These venues include Delhi, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Virender Sehwag picks his MVP for the World Cup
While fans and experts eagerly discuss the potential key players of the tournament, Indian stalwart Sehwag has made his bold prediction. Sehwag believes that Indian cricketing maestro Virat Kohli is likely to emerge as the MVP and the highest run-scorer in this edition of the World Cup. He expressed his confidence in Virat’s hunger for success and his awareness that this might be his last World Cup appearance, making this tournament even more special for the batting virtuoso.
“I would go with Virat as he is hungry and knows that this is his last World Cup. This edition belongs to him, and he would like to lead the batting charts. He will be the Most Valuable Player and the highest run-scorer,” Sehwag said to Cricbuzz.
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Legacy and Expectation
Kohli, whose stellar career has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, is approaching this World Cup with great form and momentum. His recent performances, including a sublime century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 and an impressive showing in the last against Australia, highlight his readiness to take on this challenge. The 34-year-old’s performance will play a pivotal role in India’s campaign, and a successful outing could significantly boost India’s chances of clinching the World Cup title.
Notably, Kohli has a great record in the World Cup and ODI cricket as well. The Indian stalwart is the second-highest run-getter for India in the World Cup history with 1030 runs in 26 matches.
Moreover, winning the ODI World Cup in 2023 would mark a historic achievement for Kohli, as he and Ravichandran Ashwin would become the only Indian players to win the tournament twice, having been part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. India’s journey in this World Cup begins with a high-stakes clash against five-time world champions Australia in Chennai on Sunday, October 8.
As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, Kohli’s quest for World Cup glory adds an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to this prestigious tournament.
