It's been 4 years since a teary-eyed MS Dhoni walked off the field. And Team India has been waiting since then. Waiting for another shot at the most prestigious trophy in world cricket, the ODI World Cup.
The Men in Blue begin their campaign against 5-time champions Australia in Chennai on Sunday. The same Aussies, whom India beat 2-1 in a home ODI series a few days ago.
On back of a successful Asia Cup campaign, Rohit Shamra's men looked settled with all batters in top form and every bowler breathing fire.
However, Shubman Gill is a doubtful starter and is all but out of the opening game due to illness. It is a body blow considering the opening batter was the highest run-getter in ODIs in 2023.
But India has a strong bench strength to fall up and Ishan Kishan open the batting in his absence.
Moreover, with the track in Chennai known to favour the spinners, India is likely to go ahead with all 3 turners; Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Despite home conditions in favour, India has had mixed results in Chennai lately. They have lost 3 of their last 5 ODIs at this ground. With their last loss at the Chepauk coming against the Aussies in March this year.
When will the India vs Australia World Cup 2023 begin?
IND vs AUS match will start at 2 pm IST on Sunday
Where to watch IND vs AUS World Cup match?
Viewers in India can watch the India vs Australia ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 live telecast on the Star Sports Network channels
Where to watch the live streaming of the India vs Australia Cricket World Cup 2023?
Fans can watch the live streaming of the India vs Australia ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.
India vs Australia probable playing XIs
India likely playing XI vs Australia:
Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Australia likely playing XI vs India:
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa