ICC ODI World Cup: Confident India ready for Australian challenge | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Hosts India open their highly anticipated World Cup campaign in Chennai against Australia on Sunday in what promises to be an epic showdown. Rohit Sharma, one of cricket’s most celebrated figures, will lead the Indian team, while Australia, led by Pat Cummins, come ready for a fierce battle.
The excitement for this World Cup has been building, fueled in part by India’s impressive performance at the recent Asian Games, where they clinched over a hundred medals. Now, the focus shifts to the cricket pitch, as fans eagerly await the main event.
India and Australia have a rich history of intense battles in Chennai, including the unforgettable tied Test of 1986, the closely fought Reliance Cup game in the subsequent year, and the historic 2001 Test series-decider. These encounters have added to the anticipation surrounding this match.
India’s strength lies in its world-class batting lineup, while Australia boasts a top-notch pace attack. The question looming over Australia is whether their pace bowlers can endure the searing Chennai heat. It’s a test of skill and stamina.

This World Cup holds significant personal stakes for many players, particularly Virat Kohli, who is on the brink of a historic milestone, needing just three centuries to surpass the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. The desire to lift the coveted World Cup trophy on November 19th drives them.
Unlike previous tournaments, where narratives were often shaped by others, this edition presents an opportunity for the current players to write their own stories. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others, are determined to craft their legacies in this tournament.
Time is not on the side of most of these players, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the format adds to the urgency. They aim to avoid being relegated to the annals of cricketing history as mere footnotes.
A successful campaign by the Indian team could potentially rejuvenate interest in One Day International (ODI) cricket, a format some believe has been losing appeal. The World Cup has the power to rekindle the passion for ODI cricket on a global scale.

Rohit Sharma’s leadership qualities are widely respected, and he commands the admiration of the dressing room. He faces the multifaceted challenge of performing as a batter, making crucial tactical decisions during matches, and leading the team to success.
The clash against Australia promises to be a strategic battle. The performance of Indian spinners on the Chepauk pitch, renowned for its turn and grip, will be pivotal. Glenn Maxwell‘s off-breaks and Adam Zampa’s record against India’s top order add an extra layer of intrigue.
Chepauk Stadium in Chennai has witnessed its share of cricketing drama. India has won seven out of 14 ODIs played at this venue, with six defeats and one match abandoned. Australia boasts an impressive record with five wins out of six ODIs at Chepauk.

Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur.
Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Match starts: 2:00 pm.

(With inputs from PTI)