'I expect India to be there at the end of the tournament' - Brendon McCullum feels India are strong contenders in upcoming ODI World Cup 

With the 2023 ODI World Cup around the corner, all teams are gearing up for a successful campaign in India from October 5 to November 19. Being the hosts, the Men in Blue will have a slight edge over other teams to win the championship, but this is cricket and it's hard to predict anything. However, England's Test team head coach Brendon McCullum feels that India will have a good outing in the marquee event and will be one of the strongest contenders to win the title.

India became the first country to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil in 2011, under the leadership of MS Dhoni. The same man led the country to yet another glory in the 2013 Champions Trophy, but since then India have failed to taste success in any major international tournament. Despite this, McCullum believes India will have a strong campaign this time around, especially with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah back in the squad.

"Look, I think India will be very strong. When you bring Bumrah back into any side it improves you by a length. He's one of those rare players who knows how to win games on his own and stand up in clutch moments. So, obviously, an Indian side with him in it will be very strong," the former New Zealand opener told TOI.

"India has got so much talent, right. We've seen that in the IPL, we've seen young kids come through and burst onto the scene and perform and secure their place in international cricket and go on to have successful careers. I expect India to be there at the end of the tournament," he added.

I think it's really an open World Cup: McCullum

Asked to pick the semi-finalists for the premier 50-over tournament, McCullum said it would be a tough task and he thinks it would be an open tournament. However, he believes India and England will reach the business end of the tournament, while not ruling out the possibility of Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand being the dark horses.

"To try and pick the semi-finalists will be very difficult in this World Cup. I think India will be there. England have a good chance. Then you've got the likes of Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand...they always find a way in the World Cups. Bangladesh too in these conditions…you just never know. So, I think it's really an open World Cup. Whoever starts well, will probably give themselves the best chance to be there at the end," the 41-year-old said.