'This is India's strongest team since 2011': Ravi Shastri's statement gets slammed by fans

As the latest edition of the ODI World Cup once again returns to India after a gap of 12 years, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team will aim to repeat the 2011 World Cup heroics. It was when the Indian side, led by MS Dhoni, defeated Sri Lanka in the final played at the Wankhede Stadium. The Indian team selection committee is yet to announce the provisional squad of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the last date for the same is September 5, 2023. 

3 things you need to know 

• The 2023 ODI World Cup begins from October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad 
• England and New Zealand will take on each other in the opening match of the ODI World Cup 
• Team India begins its campaign against Australia on October 8, 2023 

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Ravi Shastri makes a big statement on the current Indian squad 

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, while speaking on ESPNcricinfo, believes that the Indian current Indian squad is better than the 2011 ODI World Cup winning team. Shastri was the head coach of the 'Men in Blue', from 2017 to 2022, and under his regime, the Indian team won matches in almost every corner of the world. The Indian team reached the knockout stage of almost every ICC event and defeated Australia at their home twice in a bilateral Test series. Ravi Shastri said: 

I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players. And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most.

Ravi Shastri faces backlash from fans after bold statement on Indian squad 

Ravi Shastri was badly trolled by the fans on social media for comparing the Indian cricket team squad of 2011 and 2023. Some reactions are mentioned below: 

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The Indian cricket team has not won an ICC title in the past ten years. The hosts for this year's World Cup won their last ICC trophy in the year 2013 when the 'Men in Blue', under the leadership of MS Dhoni, defeated England in the final of the Champions Trophy. With the major ICC event once again returning to India. the Rohit Sharma-led side has the best chance to end their title drought and bring some gold to their trophy case.