IND vs AUS World Cup 2023, Match prediction: Why India hold edge to deny 5-time champions repeat of 1987 thriller

"You've heard the legendary player often state that he has some unresolved business till he wins the World Cup. You understand who I'm referring to, I'm sure. Thus, it also applies to us."

In the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia, Steve Smith (2L) and Mitchell Marsh (2R) of Australia take a break while Virat Kohli (L) and KL Rahul (C) of India walk past (AFP)

The comment made by Rohit Sharma during the pre-match press conference in Chennai cannot be described as desperate. It shows a pure will and ambition to finish what needs to be done, ending the tedious conversation about the ICC trophy drought that has been going on for the past ten years. And India's opening World Cup matchup with Australia would be ideal for announcing to the world that they intend to repeat their 2011 victory at home.

A little more than a week ago, India faced the most successful side in World Cup history in a three-match ODI series, and the hosts prevailed 2-1 in an attempt to tick off the last boxes for the home championship. However, you do it at your own risk if you choose to rule out the Australians in light of that outcome. Recall that in that series, the only game they prevailed over India was against a fully-fit team. Furthermore, Australia is a different animal in World Cup competitions. The Allan Border-led team won a thrilling match against the then-defending champions India, headed by Kapil Dev, by just one run in their lone opening game against India, which took place in 1987 in Chennai. They haven't lost a tournament opener since 1999.

India will be keen to prevent Australia from repeating their success from 1987, and they have all the necessary components to defeat the powerful Australians in what should be a thrilling opening match.

Why is India favoured over Australia?

Factor Hardik Pandya: The addition of Hardik to the ODI lineup has given the Indian lineup a new dimension, and the team may be able to add spin diversity to the XI in the future due to his increased bowling ability. With a bowling average of 135–140 kmph, Hardik is now a legitimate third seamer for India. Given his advantage over Steve Smith, whom he has dismissed five times in seventy-five deliveries, and his ability to contain Mitchell Marsh, who will begin for Australia with 46 runs off 60 balls and one wicket, one may anticipate Hardik to be a one-change bowler.

Ashwin is aware of the circumstances: As a third spinner, Ashwin is a given given the conditions in Chennai and the dry, black-soil pitch that was set up for India's World Cup opener. This might give the squad more batting depth. Furthermore, Ashwin has an advantage over Steve Smith and David Warner, two of Australia's best batsmen. The experienced offie had taken four wickets in the just finished series, three of which came on an Indore surface that was ideal for batting, which caused a collapse in the top order. He defeated Warner and Josh Inglis, troubling Smith along the way, and got rid of Marnus Labuschagne twice in two games. Remember that this is his home pitch.
Australia is dear to Kohli: It's no longer a secret, and the figures speak for themselves. With eight tonnes, Kohli's career total of 2228 runs versus the Australians is the third-highest against any opposition he has faced. However, Kohli prefers playing Australia at home. With five hundreds, 1344 of the previously mentioned runs have been scored at home, the highest against any opponent. Additionally, he is the only player on the current Indian team to have scored a century in Chepauk.

What should India be cautious when facing Australia?

Danger of left-arm pace: KL Rahul is predicted to bat at No. 5 for India, although both experienced top-order batsmen Rohit and Kohli are vulnerable to left-arm pacers. is thus quite susceptible to the variation. Their track record in the first ten overs against left-arm fast bowlers only makes matters worse: Rahul averages 25.3 with three dismissals in 18 innings, Rohit averages 36.7 with 21 dismissals in 95 innings, while Kohli has been dismissed 13 times in 67 innings at an average of 32.1. But Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli all average more than forty against Starc, with two, three, and one dismissals, respectively.

It's called Maxwell. Maxwell, Glenn: The Australian bowler has made great progress. Maxwell averaged 130.66 in 61 games between 2016 and 2020; he has subsequently dropped to 28.53. He was instrumental in Australia's lone series victory last week, going 4 for 40 in the third match against India in Rajkot.