The Indian cricket team won their last ICC trophy almost 10 years ago. India captured their World Cup title by defeating England in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. However, after this, India could not win any ICC trophy. The upcoming 2023 edition of ODI World Cup 2023 will be held on Indian soil this year. India have a great chance of finally putting an end to their ICC title drought of 10 years and that too in front of their home fans. Meanwhile, former India captain Kapil Dev believes for India to win the coveted World Cup trophy, they need to handle the pressure of 'high expectations'.
ALSO READ | '5 Tests, 3 ODIs, 8 T20Is': BCCI Announces Fixtures For International Home Season 2023-24
India had won their first-ever World Cup title in the year 1983 under captaincy of legend Kapil Dev. Though team India have the advantage of playing the mega tournament on home soil, it will be a big challenge for them to maintain focus and composure throughout the World Cup amid high expectations from home fans.
"I don't know how it will pan out. They are yet to announce the team for the World Cup. India will always enter a tournament as favourites as it has been the case for a long time," Kapil Dev told Times of India on the sidelines of the launch of Golf Fitting Centre in Bengaluru.
"It's all about how the team comes to terms with the expectations from all sides. We have won a World Cup at home, and I am sure the team, whoever gets selected, can do it again. A World Cup is coming in four years, and I hope the players will be fully prepared," said Kapil.
On team India's injury concerns, the 1983 World Cup winning captain said everybody's body is different and the players would require individual plans to preserve their fitness.
"My time was different as we hardly played so much cricket. Now, these players are playing some 10 months of cricket. So, managing your body is important to keep away from injuries. Everybody's body is different and they would require individual plans to preserve their fitness," said Kapil.