New Delhi
Former Australian captain Meg Lanning believes that host nation India could be a major threat in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup starting September 30. Speaking to ICC Digital, Lanning said although Australia has dominated in past tournaments, India is now a team to watch.
“India are as talented as any team,” Lanning said. “They are learning how to win big games, and that makes them dangerous.”
Lanning praised India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur and said the team now has players with strong international experience. She believes that if India plays at their best, few teams can stop them.
Lanning, who led Australia to five World Cup wins, including the 2022 ODI title, has seen India’s rise first-hand. She recalled the 2017 semi-final, where India beat Australia and went on to play the final.
She also highlighted other strong teams, including England, South Africa, and New Zealand. “Each of them can surprise anyone if they play well at the right time,” she noted.
Australia will begin their title defense against New Zealand on October 1 in Indore. India will take on Sri Lanka in the tournament’s opening match on September 30 in Guwahati.