India will kick off their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8. Prior to this, both teams clashed in a three-match ODI series as a final preparation.
In an important squad update, Ravichandran Ashwin replaces the injured Axar Patel in India’s final 15-man squad for the tournament.
Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has shared his preferred India playing XI for the opening match against Australia, emphasizing the significance of a strong start from the top three batters.
Gavaskar’s selection includes three seamers and two spinners, with the possibility of a third fast bowler or an extra spinner, depending on the pitch conditions and dew factor, as highlighted by Irfan Pathan.
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Sunil Gavaskar suggests a formidable India playing XI for the World Cup opener, emphasizing the need for a strong bowling lineup. His XI comprises Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja (as a proper bowler if it’s a turning track), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, with the focus on wicket-taking bowlers as the top seven batters handle the run-scoring duties.