IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 | 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For

KL Rahul and Steve Smith shaking hands during their recent ODI series (AP Photos)

India’s journey in the World Cup 2023 will begin on Sunday (October 8) with a blockbuster clash against five-time champions Australia at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The Men in Blue recently met the Aussies thrice in the same format at home, in which they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.

We are about to witness battles between some of the most sought-after players in this fixture. Which ones are they? Let’s have a look at them.

Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc getting congratulated by Aussie teammates (AP Photos)

It's just a myth that Rohit Sharma fears Mitchell Starc. Rohit averages 48.7 against Starc in ODIs, having tallied 146 runs in 138 deliveries while losing his wicket thrice. In between, the Indian skipper smacked 13 fours and six sixes against the talismanic Aussie fast bowler.

Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah will lead India's attack vs Australia (AP Photos)

Steve Smith has dominated Jasprit Bumrah in the ODIs over the years, having scored 92 runs off 104 balls while getting dismissed only once. Despite the fact that the former Australian skipper has not hit a single six against Bumrah, it is safe to say that he has not troubled much against the ace speedster either, having smashed 14 fours in this format.

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Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins

Virat Kohli will be India's most reliable batsman in World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

Virat Kohli has unreal dominance against Pat Cummins, having smacked 18 fours and three sixes in the ODIs while losing his wicket only once. The stylish Indian batter only played 67 dots against Cummins out of 143 deliveries and aggregated 153 runs thus far.

David Warner vs Ravichandran Ashwin

R Ashwin will be India's trump card at World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

Ravichandran Ashwin's undisputed record against David Warner is well known, as the southpaw has lost his wicket 11 times in Tests against the off-spinner, averaging 17.6. However, the duo have not met much in the ODIs, and thus, Warner has an impressive 45 average in this format.

Glenn Maxwell vs Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj will be in focus for India in World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

Siraj, the No.1-ranked ODI bowler in the world, will have a lot to deliver in the upcoming showpiece event. However, Siraj will be facing Glenn Maxwell in this match, both of whom are known for their aggressive play. They have not met much in the ODIs yet, but this match-up is going to be the most entertaining one for spectators.

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