Gautam Gambhir predicts the semi finalists of World Cup 2019

Cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir, who was well known for his aggression and fiesty charecter on the field has come up with yet another prophecy for the World Cup 2019.

The former Indian cricketer has picked his semi finalists for the competition and has also said that the Afghanistan team are unlikely to last the distance.

Gautam Gambhir who recently steped into the political scenario, won the Lok Sabha election on the BJP’s ticket by a huge margin.

Gambhir, who was the member of Indian squad that won the World Cup in 2011, said for team India to win their third World Cup, Captain Virat Kohli’s intensity will play an integral part. Kohli is not just the best batsman in India, but in the World. For team India to win the World Cup this time Virat’s batting and the charge he carries will be imperative.

“I am not sure if Madame Tussauds, London has a statue of Virat Kohli. The one in New Delhi has him. Its a brilliant job but it misses Virat's intensity. India is one of my four semi finalists. But for that to happen, Virat’s intensity is key” Gambhir wrote in his column for Times of India.

The other three teams that Gambhir picked as a probable semi finalists are defending champions Australia, hosts England and 2015 finalists New Zealand.

Five time champions though had a patchy phase in 2018, they have come back with a bang and are one of the favourites to win the championship this time and Gambhir has credited coach Justin Langer’s man management skills for boosting Australia’s chances.

He had complimented Langer earlier as well for his cooperation with him when he had gone to Australia to get some quality practice sessions.

The host England are being looked upon as the top favourites to clinch the World Cup title this time around as they have been playing great cricket lately and not to forget the home advantage they posses.

While on the other hand the Kiwis remain the under dogs which has been the case in every World Cup they have played. In 2015, they won all their matches until the finals where they lost to Australia.

On Afghanistan who will be making their second appearance in crickets biggest stage this year, Gambhir termed them as “babies” but used some kind words and said that cricket gives identity, purpose and pride to the newcomers and their mere presence will give hope to the entire region.