As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming ICC World Cup in 2023, the discussion surrounding India’s chances of victory has taken center stage. The reminiscence of the MS Dhoni-led Indian cricket team lifting the trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011 still lingers in the hearts of millions. It’s been 12 years since that historic win, and with Rohit Sharma set to captain the team this time around, the question on everyone’s mind is whether India has the firepower to secure another ICC title. This question was recently posed by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, sparking a friendly exchange with his former teammate, Virender Sehwag.
In a tweet, Yuvraj Singh expressed his doubts about the current Indian side’s ability to handle pressure and perform at the same level as the 2011 team. He highlighted that the team had thrived under pressure in 2011 and wondered if the 2023 squad could use the pressure to become ‘game changers.’
“We all want a repeat of 2011 in #ICCWorldCup23 BUT In 2011 #TeamIndia shined under pressure. In 2023, Again, the team is under pressure to perform. Do we have enough time to turn this around? Can we use this pressure to become a ‘Game changer’,” Yuvraj tweeted.
Virender Sehwag, known for his fearless approach to batting, responded promptly to Yuvraj’s query. Sehwag said Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah would not falter under pressure. Instead, they would respond to the challenge with unwavering determination and give their opponents a tough fight.
“Ayi baat pressure ki, toh iss bar hum pressure lenge nahi, denge! Like champions! (When it comes to pressure, we won’t take it, but we will give it to the opposition),” Sehwag replied while tagging Yuvraj.
“ @YUVSTRONG12 ayi baat pressure ki, toh iss bar hum pressure lenge nahi, denge! Like champions!
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 7, 2023
Peechle 12 saal mein, host team world cup jeeti hain!
2011 – We won at Home
2015 – Australia won in Australia
2019 – England won in England
2023 – Hum Toofan Machayenge!
#CWC23… https://t.co/Dx0VVoTfTd
Sehwag also offered an interesting historical perspective by pointing out that the host nations won the last three ODI World Cups. India won in 2011 on home turf, Australia triumphed in 2015 on their home soil, and England secured victory in 2019 on their grounds. With India set to host the 2023 World Cup, Sehwag playfully declared, “Peechle 12 saal mein, host team world cup jeeti hain! (The host team has won all the ODI World Cups in the last 12 years). 2011 – We won at Home. 2015 – Australia won in Australia. 2019 – England won in England. 2023 – Hum Toofan Machayenge!” (“In 2023, we will create a storm!”).
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The banter between Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag adds an exciting dimension to the anticipation surrounding the ICC World Cup 2023. While Yuvraj reflects on the glorious memories of 2011 and raises questions about the current team’s ability to handle pressure, Sehwag’s confidence in India’s young and talented squad is a testament to the nation’s cricketing spirit.
