‘They exude similar aura’ – Shane Watson draws parallels between India’s formidable WC 2023 squad and Australia’s dominant reign in 2003 and 2007

In an insightful comparison, former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has likened the current Indian cricket team’s prowess at the World Cup 2023 to the invincible Australian side that clinched back-to-back titles in the 2003 and 2007 editions of the tournament.

With India showcasing an impeccable six-match winning streak, Watson drew striking parallels between Ricky Ponting’s dominant Australian team and Rohit Sharma‘s Men in Blue, highlighting their shared ability to overwhelm opponents effortlessly and exhibit a commanding presence on the global stage.

In an exclusive interview with ‘Times of India’, Watson expressed his admiration for the Indian squad, affirming that they emanate a similar aura to the formidable Australian teams of the past. “They exude a similar aura,” Watson emphasized. “This team has absolutely no weakness, as was the case with the invincible Australian teams of the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. Just like that Aussie side, this team has quality world-class match-winners all around the team.”

A team has to be at their brilliant best to challenge this Indian side – Watson

Watson’s analysis further underscored the dominant form displayed by the Indian team in the ongoing World Cup, where they have convincingly triumphed over Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England, solidifying their status as the favourites for the coveted title. “Once I saw the balance of the Indian team and the form of the players after two games, this thought occurred to me. They have just been so incredibly dominant and have a great chance of going through the tournament undefeated. A team has to be at their brilliant best to challenge this Indian side,” he remarked.

With Team India determined to leave a lasting mark in cricketing history and secure their third World Cup title after victorious campaigns in 1983 and 2011, all eyes are set on their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2. As they aim to extend their winning streak and edge closer to the semifinals, Rohit Sharma’s men are poised to deliver yet another compelling performance, solidifying their position as one of the tournament’s most formidable contenders.