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As India gears up for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, cricket analyst Graeme Swann has identified the pivotal player for India in this crucial encounter.
India’s unprecedented streak
Team India has scripted a sensational narrative in the tournament, securing victory in all ten encounters leading to the final. Their unbeaten streak positions them on the brink of history, as they aim to become only the third team, after West Indies and Australia, to win the World Cup undefeated.
Australia’s pursuit of a record title
On the opposing side, Australia, with a rich cricketing legacy, eyes a record-extending sixth World Cup title. The Aussies, after overcoming early setbacks, have displayed resilience, setting the stage for a compelling battle against the formidable Indian side.
Graeme Swann’s insight: India’s trump card
Swann, in a discussion on CNN News 18, singled out Ravindra Jadeja as the key player for India in the final clash against Australia. Drawing attention to Jadeja’s stellar performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final, the former England spinner emphasized the all-rounder’s ability to elevate his game on the grandest stages.
“I am always going to look for the X-factor player, the rockstar, and that has to be (Ravindra) Jadeja. He has had a fairly quiet backend to this World Cup, mostly because the batting order hasn’t really given him anything to do,” Jadeja said.
“I always look for big-time players, players when the pressure is on in the heat of the battle, times when even the world’s best fail, Jadeja absolutely lives for those occasions. Just look at the IPL last year, wins the whole IPL off the last two balls, a six and a four,” the 44-year-old added.
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Graeme Swann’s bold assertion: India’s fearless approach decisive
Swann expressed confidence that if India maintains their fearless approach, the contest will be decidedly in their favour.
“If India approach the game with the same sort of positivity and mindset they did in the semifinal, there is still no contest, India will win. But Australia are a team you can never ever write off, unfortunately, for an Englishman to say that,” the Northampton-born cricketer concluded.
