World Cup Final: From Rohit Sharma's trophy position to Richard Kettleborough's omen - decoding fan theories

It's the long-awaited D-day as the host nation, India, prepares to face five-time champions Australia in the final of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Beyond the teams' preparations, fans are actively engaging in anticipation, crafting various theories in the hope that India will lift the coveted trophy.

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Let's delve into some of these intriguing fan theories:

Rohit Sharma's Trophy Position:

As both team captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins, posed with the trophy, a particular detail caught fans' attention. In a series of images released by the ICC, Rohit Sharma, known as the 'Hitman,' is positioned on the left side of the trophy. This trend has instilled hope among Indian fans, drawing from historical data suggesting that captains on the left in these images (or the right of the trophy) have historically emerged victorious in the World Cup. Notable instances include MS Dhoni in 2011, Michael Clarke in 2015, and Eoin Morgan in 2019.

The 'Marriage' Effect:

A theory that has stirred mixed sentiments among Indian fans revolves around the captains getting married in the year preceding the World Cup. Notable instances include Ricky Ponting in 2002, followed by a World Cup win in 2003, and MS Dhoni tying the knot in 2010 before securing victory in 2011. Eoin Morgan's marriage in 2018 preceded England's triumph in 2019. Now, with Pat Cummins as the Aussie captain, who married in 2022, fans are hopeful that this perceived jinx will be broken in 2023.

Richard Kettleborough's omen:

The ICC's appointment of English umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth for the final has sparked unease among Indian fans, particularly due to Kettleborough's association with some heartbreaking losses for Team India. He officiated in previous ICC events where the Men in Blue suffered knockout-round defeats, including the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. This historical connection has led to apprehension and superstition among fans.

As the excitement builds for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 Final, these fan theories add an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the much-anticipated clash between India and Australia.