NEW DELHI: In the realm of ODI World Cup 2023 anticipation, a former South African (SA)batting maestro sheds light on the mammoth challenge looming over Team India's path to glory.

New Delhi recently bore witness to India's grand revelation of their squad for the imminent Cricket World Cup, set to kick off on the 5th of October. The helm of this formidable cricketing armada is entrusted to Rohit Sharma, and on paper, they present a star-studded ensemble of seasoned players.

Yet, with great expectations come even greater pressure, as India embarks on a quest to recapture the coveted title on home turf. The last time India hosted the World Cup in 2011, they clinched the championship under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Remarkably, the nations that followed as hosts – Australia in 2015 and England in 2019 – also emerged victorious, raising the stakes exponentially.

AB de Villiers, the former South African batting sensation, has been keeping a close watch on the cricketing developments in India. De Villiers, now a prominent figure in the commentary circuit, shared his insights into India's journey towards the World Cup on his YouTube channel.

He lauded India's squad, deeming it "incredible" and "really, really strong," singling out Rohit Sharma as the captain and Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain. However, amid the accolades, he expressed a crucial concern. Despite the team's impressive roster, De Villiers pinpointed the potential Achilles' heel for the Men in Blue – the formidable pressure of a home World Cup.

"The only worry I have for India is playing at home," cautioned the former South African skipper. He emphasized that the previous time India contested on their home soil, they emerged triumphant. Consequently, he believes that the weight of expectations and the passionate home crowd could be the sole major hurdle in their path.

Nonetheless, De Villiers remains optimistic about India's prospects if they can navigate this challenge adeptly. He stressed the importance of playing fearlessly and concentrating on the factors within their control.

"Go fearless," urged De Villiers, emphasizing the importance of this mindset. "Forget about the pressure of the nation; that's something you can't control. Control what you can control," he added.

India's preparations for the World Cup include two warm-up matches against England and the Netherlands. The commencement of their World Cup campaign is slated for October 8, with a clash against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Meanwhile, the Indian squad is currently participating in the Asia Cup and is bracing itself for a high-octane encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Four stage, scheduled to unfold on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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