In the lead-up to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, anticipation and excitement are reaching a fever pitch as cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the clash between India and Australia, two cricketing powerhouses set to face off in their first match of the tournament.
The IND vs AUS is scheduled for Sunday, October 8, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, and promises to be a riveting encounter that will set the tone for the rest of the World Cup.
As the host nation, India carries the weight of expectations from millions of passionate cricket devotees, aiming to replicate their illustrious 2011 World Cup victory.
This high-stakes contest is all set to deliver memorable moments and performances that will be etched in the annals of cricket history.
Check details on India vs Australia ODI World Cup match, probable best playing XI, top run-scorers, leading wicket-takers, and the players who are expected to shine.
IND vs AUS ODI World Cup 2023: Best Playing XI Predictions
India’s Probable XI:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubhman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
Australia’s Probable XI:
- Mitchell Marsh
- David Warner
- Steven Smith
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Adam Zampa
IND vs AUS ODI World Cup 2023: Predicted Top Run-Scorers
For India: Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain is set to open the innings and has been a formidable force at the top. While his average and century count have slightly dipped in recent times, his improved strike rate and aggressive approach make him a potent threat.
Rohit’s stellar form was evident in the Asia Cup, where he notched up three half-centuries. Notably, he is just three sixes away from breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in international cricket.
For Australia: Steven Smith
Renowned for his unflinching consistency and unorthodox technique, Smith is the linchpin of Australia’s batting lineup. His impressive record against India, with 1260 runs at an average of 54.8 and a striking strike rate of 103, underscores his importance.
Smith’s adaptability and ability to anchor the innings make him a key player to watch not only in this match but throughout the World Cup.
IND vs AUS ODI World Cup 2023: Predicted Leading Wicket-Takers
For India: Kuldeep Yadav
India’s primary spin weapon in the World Cup, Kuldeep Yadav, made a remarkable comeback after a period of injury and poor form. With 152 wickets in 90 ODIs, Kuldeep is a force to be reckoned with.
His standout performances in the Asia Cup established him as a key player. On spin-friendly tracks, such as those in Chennai, Lucknow, and Delhi, Kuldeep’s spin wizardry will be pivotal.
For Australia: Adam Zampa
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the venue for this encounter, is known to assist spin bowlers, and Indian batsmen have often struggled against quality spin.
Adam Zampa, a right-arm leg-spinner, had an exceptional 2023, claiming 15 wickets in nine matches, the highest for any Australian bowler that year.
His standout performance in Chennai earlier in the year, where he took 4 wickets while conceding only 45 runs, posed significant challenges for Indian batsmen. Zampa’s wrist-spin deliveries can be a key weapon for Australia.
