"Virat will show us the same heroics in 2023 WC what Gambhir showed in 2011"- Ex-IND selector's bold prediction on Virat Kohli

India will start their preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup with a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting on January 10. It might be the last World Cup for some Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul.

Thus, the Indian team would like to make it more special. The 2023 ODI World Cup will take place in October and November in India, and the Men in Blue won it the last time it was hosted in India. It means India will be the top-favored team to win the tournament.

But for that, they need all players to be in form and perform consistently. However, all eyes will be on Virat and Rohit to lead the team to 2011 glory once again. Virat was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad and also carried Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders during the victory lap.

The former Indian skipper found his form during the 2022 Asia Cup and was at his best during the T20 World Cup in Australia. Although India lost the semi-final at the hands of England, Virat ended up becoming the leading run-scorer in the tournament.

Kris Srikkanth, a former selector and member of India's 1983 ODI World Cup team, has backed the former Indian captain to play an anchor role in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. He also said that Virat will be the hero for India in the marquee event, like Gautam Gambhir was in 2011.

Srikkanth said, "First of all, the knock played by Gautam Gambhir was phenomenal, that too in the World Cup. I am making the prediction that Virat Kohli will show us the same heroics in the 2023 World Cup. Just like Gautam Gambhir has played a major role of anchor in the past, the same way Virat Kohli will play that role this time around."

Furthermore, the former selector said that Virat will also help young players like Ishan Kishan to express themselves, just like he did when Ishan scored his double century.