WC 23: Irfan Pathan names his 'top 4 for this World Cup in India', leaves out 'padosi'

The Indian cricket team under the leadership of Rohit Sharma has gained some good form ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Team India won the 2023 Asia Cup and now has defeated Australia in the first two of the three ODIs ahead of the major ICC ODI Cricket World Cup. The 'Men in Blue' will begin their campaign against the Aussies on October 8 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Rohit Sharma-led side are favourites to win their third ODI World Cup trophy.

3 things you need to know 

• The 2023 ODI World Cup will kickstart from October 5
• New Zealand and England will play the opening match of the tournament at the Narendra Modi Stadium 
• Australia (5) is the most successful team in the ODI World Cup 

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Irfan Pathan predicts his top four teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup

Former Indian cricket team pacer Irfan Pathan has been in the limelight in recent times for taking savage digs at the 'padosi' team Pakistan on social media. Pathan has now predicted his top four teams in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup and has left out the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team. Irfan Pathan wrote in his tweet on 'X': 

As per Irfan Pathan, India, South Africa, England and Australia are the top four teams who will play the knockouts of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. India, defending champions England and Australia have all the firepower available in their squad that is needed to win an ICC title. However, the 'Proteas' are going through a transition phase and have no big stars in their squad. Though, the team has impressed with its performance in the recent ODI matches and can prove to be the 'dark horse' of the tournament. 

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Pakistan suffer major blows ahead of the 50 over World Cup

Babar Azam led Pakistan cricket team had a disappointing campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup and was knocked out of the Super 4s stage of the tournament. The Pakistani team suffered a major loss against India and Sri Lanka and also lost Naseem Shah, who is one of the main pacers of the team due to a shoulder injury. These blows have put Pakistan's chances of winning the ODI World Cup 2023 in doubt.