Since 2015 World Cup debacle England’s rise in white-ball cricket has been commendable. The brand of cricket they adapted left everyone far behind, and with their current approach, they look likely to take giant strides across formats going forward. In the past four years, England won two World Cups – a 50-over home World Cup in 2019 and the T20 WC in Australia last year. One core member of this extraordinary English side has been their star batter Joe Root. Having achieved what is there to achieve in his favourite format – Tests, Joe found his mojo in ODIs too. In an exclusive chat with the Times of India (TOI), Joe talked about England’s approach for the 2023 World Cup and had some encouraging words for his Test team captain Ben Stokes as well.

Joe Root on England’s approach in 2023 World Cup

Following England’s maiden 50-over World Cup win at home in 2019, they have been looked up to as a side to beat at least in white-ball cricket. Keeping an eye on defending their title in India later this year, Root said having an advantage of playing too much cricket in India could benefit them, but they don’t wish to overcomplicate things at the same time. The veteran batter added growing in confidence would be the motive heading into the big tournament like a 50-over World Cup.

On being asked if England would remain under pressure in their pursuit of a title defence in India, Root said that would anyway be there irrespective of a team having won a World Cup or not.

“There is always pressure around World Cups and big tournaments. That's a part and parcel of it. It doesn't matter whether you've won it all or not in the previous four years. It's about how you step up to the occasion. We are just making sure that we're ready, tick all the required boxes and deliver in those conditions. It's a big year for everyone,” Root said.

“One thing that we've probably got now that we didn't have four years ago, is a little bit more experience. There are still a lot of guys who have played in Indian conditions. It's great to have that experience. Guys who have played a lot of cricket in those conditions (in India) will be most important.”

“England don't want to overcomplicate things too much. All we are doing is trusting ourselves, growing in confidence, and making sure that we're as ready as we can be to peak at the right time and at those peak moments,” Root told TOI.

Stokes – the best all-rounder in the world

Having himself led England’s Test team for a considerable period, Root knows about the nitty-gritty’s of being a captain and that is where he is highly impressed with Ben Stokes – whom he called the best all-rounder in the world. Showering praises on Ben, Root said,

“Yes. I'm biased. But yes (he’s the best all-rounder in the world). One thing that Ben can do is he can win a game on his own. He can turn things with the ball. He needs just one spell to turn things upside down. The other thing is his captaincy. We've seen how good a leader he is. He is a brilliant leader - both as a captain and as a senior player. He leads from the front and his actions, on the field, are just amazing.”

In 158&nbsp;ODI games for England, Root has amassed 6207 runs at an average of 50.06 with 16 tons and 36 fifties to his name.

Since 2015 World Cup debacle England’s rise in white-ball cricket has been commendable. The brand of cricket they adapted left everyone far behind, and with their current approach, they look likely to take giant strides across formats going forward.

Since 2015 World Cup debacle England’s rise in white-ball cricket has been commendable. The brand of cricket they adapted left everyone far behind, and with their current approach, they look likely to take giant strides across formats going forward. In the past four years, England won two World Cups – a 50-over home World Cup in 2019 and the T20 WC in Australia last year. One core member of this extraordinary English side has been their star batter Joe Root. Having achieved what is there to achieve in his favourite format – Tests, Joe found his mojo in ODIs too. In an exclusive chat with the Times of India (TOI), Joe talked about England’s approach for the 2023 World Cup and had some encouraging words for his Test team captain Ben Stokes as well. Joe Root on England’s approach in 2023 World Cup Following England’s maiden 50-over World Cup win at home in 2019, they have been looked up to as a side to beat at least in white-ball cricket. Keeping an eye on defending their title in India later this year, Root said having an advantage of playing too much cricket in India could benefit them, but they don’t wish to overcomplicate things at the same time. The veteran batter added growing in confidence would be the motive heading into the big tournament like a 50-over World Cup. On being asked if England would remain under pressure in their pursuit of a title defence in India, Root said that would anyway be there irrespective of a team having won a World Cup or not. “There is always pressure around World Cups and big tournaments. That's a part and parcel of it. It doesn't matter whether you've won it all or not in the previous four years. It's about how you step up to the occasion. We are just making sure that we're ready, tick all the required boxes and deliver in those conditions. It's a big year for everyone,” Root said. “One thing that we've probably got now that we didn't have four years ago, is a little bit more experience. There are still a lot of guys who have played in Indian conditions. It's great to have that experience. Guys who have played a lot of cricket in those conditions (in India) will be most important.” “England don't want to overcomplicate things too much. All we are doing is trusting ourselves, growing in confidence, and making sure that we're as ready as we can be to peak at the right time and at those peak moments,” Root told TOI. Stokes – the best all-rounder in the world Having himself led England’s Test team for a considerable period, Root knows about the nitty-gritty’s of being a captain and that is where he is highly impressed with Ben Stokes – whom he called the best all-rounder in the world. Showering praises on Ben, Root said, “Yes. I'm biased. But yes (he’s the best all-rounder in the world). One thing that Ben can do is he can win a game on his own. He can turn things with the ball. He needs just one spell to turn things upside down. The other thing is his captaincy. We've seen how good a leader he is. He is a brilliant leader - both as a captain and as a senior player. He leads from the front and his actions, on the field, are just amazing.” In 158 ODI games for England, Root has amassed 6207 runs at an average of 50.06 with 16 tons and 36 fifties to his name.

'We don't want to overcomplicate things too much', says Joe Root on England's approach for 2023 World Cup

Two-time winners&nbsp;India will enter the 2023 home World Cup as firm favourites, says ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. It was in 2011 when India last won the 50-over World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy and since then the Men in Blue managed to win just one more ICC trophy – 2013 Champions Trophy in England. Looking to end their trophy drought at home this time, India will come with all guns blazing when the tournament kicks-off in October this year. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin explained as to why the hosts will remain ahead of everyone else in the race for the title.

India has had a wonderful record at home since the 2019 World Cup in England. Not only have they defeated every touring country across formats, they did that in some style – winning matches by huge margins. Their win percentage at home is sky rocketing while their confidence is over the roof too. Citing this as one of the biggest reasons alongside playing at different venues throughout the year, Ashwin rates India’s chances of lifting the 50-over World Cup yet again very high.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa20-commissioner-graeme-smith-keen-on-bringing-ms-dhoni-on-board-in-any-capacity-554496">SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith keen on bringing MS Dhoni on board in any capacity</a>

"India’s ODI home record ever since the 2019 World Cup finished is extremely impressive. India have won against every team that’s travelled to India in this space, which are the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. India’s home record is 14-4 in this space, which is a 78 to 80 percent win record in India. All 18 of these ODIs have happened in different venues every single time (14 venues). If you have to compare the same spree with Australia or England, the venues are pretty stock standard. They play all their Test matches at 4-5 venues, the ODIs at 2-3 venues, and so they know their venues are the back of their hand," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin, who was also part of MS Dhoni’s team that won the 2011 World Cup knows what its like to play and win in home conditions. Explaining that since India’s last WC win, every team has won its home World Cup – be it Australia in 2015 or England in 2019, Ashwin said, "India are going to be a bit of short-changed&nbsp;because of the different wickets at different venues."

"Since the 2011 World Cup, all teams have managed to win their home World Cup: India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019. This is no rocket science, knowing your conditions is extremely important. However, for India, in this regard is going to be a bit of short-changed because of the number of venues we play these games in. Every single time you play in some of these venues the wickets are going to be different. India does not have a stock standard Test, ODI or T20I season. You don't know how the FTP is going to pan out but it gets hard from the team or player's perspective," Ashwin added.

India’s second-leading wicket-taker in Tests will return to action during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy that begins on February 9th in Nagpur. 
 
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Two-time winners India will enter the 2023 home World Cup as firm favourites, says ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. It was in 2011 when India last won the 50-over World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy and since then the Men in Blue managed to win just one more ICC trophy – 2013 Champions Trophy in England.

Two-time winners India will enter the 2023 home World Cup as firm favourites, says ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. It was in 2011 when India last won the 50-over World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy and since then the Men in Blue managed to win just one more ICC trophy – 2013 Champions Trophy in England. Looking to end their trophy drought at home this time, India will come with all guns blazing when the tournament kicks-off in October this year. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin explained as to why the hosts will remain ahead of everyone else in the race for the title. India has had a wonderful record at home since the 2019 World Cup in England. Not only have they defeated every touring country across formats, they did that in some style – winning matches by huge margins. Their win percentage at home is sky rocketing while their confidence is over the roof too. Citing this as one of the biggest reasons alongside playing at different venues throughout the year, Ashwin rates India’s chances of lifting the 50-over World Cup yet again very high. ALSO READ: SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith keen on bringing MS Dhoni on board in any capacity "India’s ODI home record ever since the 2019 World Cup finished is extremely impressive. India have won against every team that’s travelled to India in this space, which are the West Indies, Australia, England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. India’s home record is 14-4 in this space, which is a 78 to 80 percent win record in India. All 18 of these ODIs have happened in different venues every single time (14 venues). If you have to compare the same spree with Australia or England, the venues are pretty stock standard. They play all their Test matches at 4-5 venues, the ODIs at 2-3 venues, and so they know their venues are the back of their hand," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Ashwin, who was also part of MS Dhoni’s team that won the 2011 World Cup knows what its like to play and win in home conditions. Explaining that since India’s last WC win, every team has won its home World Cup – be it Australia in 2015 or England in 2019, Ashwin said, "India are going to be a bit of short-changed because of the different wickets at different venues." "Since the 2011 World Cup, all teams have managed to win their home World Cup: India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019. This is no rocket science, knowing your conditions is extremely important. However, for India, in this regard is going to be a bit of short-changed because of the number of venues we play these games in. Every single time you play in some of these venues the wickets are going to be different. India does not have a stock standard Test, ODI or T20I season. You don't know how the FTP is going to pan out but it gets hard from the team or player's perspective," Ashwin added. India’s second-leading wicket-taker in Tests will return to action during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy that begins on February 9th in Nagpur. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ravi Ashwin labels India as firm favourites to win World Cup this year, shares reason for this

Former team India selector and a World Cup-winner himself, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has predicted that much like Gautam Gambhir of&nbsp;2011, stalwart Virat Kohli will also play an anchor role in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year. In the team full of stars, Gambhir hogged the limelight with his match-winning 97 in the 2011 final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In addition to that, the left-handed batter also&nbsp;played a few handy knocks throughout the tournament batting at number 3, cutting a reputation of a saviour.

Virat, who also was part of that squad, scored important runs in selective games, including in the final and helped India lift the World Cup after 28 years. Now 12 years later, a veteran of the game with 12,471 ODI runs to his name, Kohli will aim to lift the coveted 50-over World Cup for the second time. Srikkanth, however, believes Kohli can replicate the heroics of Gambhir in the coming edition of mega tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sarfaraz-ahmeds-superb-hundred-saves-pakistan-as-2nd-test-vs-nz-also-ends-in-a-draw-honours-shared-550077">Sarfaraz Ahmed's superb hundred saves Pakistan as 2nd Test vs NZ also ends in a draw; honours shared</a>

As quoted by Sportskeeda, Srikkanth said, “What a great feeling it was, to win the 83’ World Cup as a player and then to be chairman of selectors of the team, which won&nbsp;the 2011 World Cup is a story I can tell my grandchildren. First of all, the knock played by Gautam Gambhir was phenomenal, that too in the World Cup, congratulations to him, I am proud of him. Superb batting throughout the tournament. I am making the prediction that Virat Kohli will show us the same heroics in the 2023 World Cup."

Believing that swashbuckling opener Ishan Kishan will also be part of the final squad for the World Cup, following his record-breaking double hundred in an ODI against Bangladesh recently, Srikkanth said Kohli must take up the anchor role like Gambhir did in 2011, allowing players like Ishan to play with freedom.

"Just like Gautam Gambhir has played a major role of anchor in the past, the same way Virat Kohli will play that role this time around. He will help players like Ishan Kishan excel just as he got a century when Kishan got a double century."

"It’s all about freedom, giving your players the freedom, do what you want, play your game even if you get out, that’s the approach the team should have,” the former selector said.

The Indian team is currently playing Sri Lanka in the bilateral series at home and then will be facing New Zealand before taking on Australia for four Tests in the Border-Gavaskar series. As reported earlier, the BCCI has shortlisted 20 key players for the World Cup, and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has been asked to monitor their workload management. &nbsp;

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Former team India selector and a World Cup-winner himself, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has predicted that much like Gautam Gambhir of 2011, stalwart Virat Kohli will also play an anchor role in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year.

Former team India selector and a World Cup-winner himself, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has predicted that much like Gautam Gambhir of 2011, stalwart Virat Kohli will also play an anchor role in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year. In the team full of stars, Gambhir hogged the limelight with his match-winning 97 in the 2011 final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In addition to that, the left-handed batter also played a few handy knocks throughout the tournament batting at number 3, cutting a reputation of a saviour. Virat, who also was part of that squad, scored important runs in selective games, including in the final and helped India lift the World Cup after 28 years. Now 12 years later, a veteran of the game with 12,471 ODI runs to his name, Kohli will aim to lift the coveted 50-over World Cup for the second time. Srikkanth, however, believes Kohli can replicate the heroics of Gambhir in the coming edition of mega tournament. ALSO READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed's superb hundred saves Pakistan as 2nd Test vs NZ also ends in a draw; honours shared As quoted by Sportskeeda, Srikkanth said, “What a great feeling it was, to win the 83’ World Cup as a player and then to be chairman of selectors of the team, which won the 2011 World Cup is a story I can tell my grandchildren. First of all, the knock played by Gautam Gambhir was phenomenal, that too in the World Cup, congratulations to him, I am proud of him. Superb batting throughout the tournament. I am making the prediction that Virat Kohli will show us the same heroics in the 2023 World Cup." Believing that swashbuckling opener Ishan Kishan will also be part of the final squad for the World Cup, following his record-breaking double hundred in an ODI against Bangladesh recently, Srikkanth said Kohli must take up the anchor role like Gambhir did in 2011, allowing players like Ishan to play with freedom. "Just like Gautam Gambhir has played a major role of anchor in the past, the same way Virat Kohli will play that role this time around. He will help players like Ishan Kishan excel just as he got a century when Kishan got a double century." "It’s all about freedom, giving your players the freedom, do what you want, play your game even if you get out, that’s the approach the team should have,” the former selector said. The Indian team is currently playing Sri Lanka in the bilateral series at home and then will be facing New Zealand before taking on Australia for four Tests in the Border-Gavaskar series. As reported earlier, the BCCI has shortlisted 20 key players for the World Cup, and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has been asked to monitor their workload management. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Virat Kohli to do a Gautam Gambhir at 2023 World Cup, predicts ex-selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth

The BCCI in its latest review meeting in Mumbai on Sunday, January 1st, is believed to have targeted 20 probable players for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India this year. The meeting is said to be attended by head coach Rahul Dravid, all-format captain Rohit Sharma, NCA head VVS Laxman and chief selector Chetan Sharma while new BCCI boss Roger Binny was available via video conferencing.

Off the many takeaways from this review meeting, one that headlined is that NCA will be monitoring those players’ workload management while working in tandem with their respective IPL teams.

Other than this, India’s failed World T20 campaign was also discussed while talks on some future events including the World Test Championship cycle and the roadmap to 50-over World Cup were also held.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-not-keen-on-playing-tour-game-ahead-of-india-tests-says-head-coach-andrew-mcdonald-548500">Australia not keen on playing tour game ahead of India Tests, says head coach Andrew McDonald</a>

"It was a very constructive and fruitful meeting where we have reviewed the past performance and planned for the future events, including World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC). We will give preference for international cricket while making sure the IPL is not diluted," a BCCI source, who attended the meeting, said.

"The issues of player availability, workload management and fitness parameters were also discussed at length during the meeting along with the roadmap to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023," the BCCI source said.

Something else that was given preference was the fitness aspect with the famous Yo-Yo Test being the chief criteria.

"The Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will now be part of selection criteria and implemented in the customized roadmaps of the central pool of players," the BCCI said in a statement after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is all set to take on the visiting Sri Lanka against whom they will play 3 T20Is and as many ODIs, starting with the 1st T20I in Mumbai on Tuesday, January 3rd.

The BCCI in its latest review meeting in Mumbai on Sunday, January 1st, is believed to have targeted 20 probable players for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India this year.

The BCCI in its latest review meeting in Mumbai on Sunday, January 1st, is believed to have targeted 20 probable players for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India this year. The meeting is said to be attended by head coach Rahul Dravid, all-format captain Rohit Sharma, NCA head VVS Laxman and chief selector Chetan Sharma while new BCCI boss Roger Binny was available via video conferencing. Off the many takeaways from this review meeting, one that headlined is that NCA will be monitoring those players’ workload management while working in tandem with their respective IPL teams. Other than this, India’s failed World T20 campaign was also discussed while talks on some future events including the World Test Championship cycle and the roadmap to 50-over World Cup were also held. ALSO READ: Australia not keen on playing tour game ahead of India Tests, says head coach Andrew McDonald "It was a very constructive and fruitful meeting where we have reviewed the past performance and planned for the future events, including World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC). We will give preference for international cricket while making sure the IPL is not diluted," a BCCI source, who attended the meeting, said. "The issues of player availability, workload management and fitness parameters were also discussed at length during the meeting along with the roadmap to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023," the BCCI source said. Something else that was given preference was the fitness aspect with the famous Yo-Yo Test being the chief criteria. "The Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will now be part of selection criteria and implemented in the customized roadmaps of the central pool of players," the BCCI said in a statement after the meeting. Meanwhile, the Indian team is all set to take on the visiting Sri Lanka against whom they will play 3 T20Is and as many ODIs, starting with the 1st T20I in Mumbai on Tuesday, January 3rd.

NCA to work with IPL franchises in workload management drill for 20 targeted players for 2023 World Cup

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'We don't want to overcomplicate things too much', says Joe Root on England's approach for 2023 World Cup

Ravi Ashwin labels India as firm favourites to win World Cup this year, shares reason for this

Virat Kohli to do a Gautam Gambhir at 2023 World Cup, predicts ex-selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth

NCA to work with IPL franchises in workload management drill for 20 targeted players for 2023 World Cup