'They Are Really a Good Side': Pat Cummins Heaps Praises on Team India

image-lmszutn1Pat Cummins revealed that he is 100% fit and will be playing against India (Twitter)

Aussie captain Pat Cummins has praised the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the Indian cricket team ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series between Australia and India, set to begin in Mohali on Friday. 

Cummins expressed admiration for the Men in Blue, emphasizing their strength as a formidable side. He acknowledged that India would have an advantage in the series since they would be playing on their home turf. Cummins also highlighted the importance of winning the series as a preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.

"India is really a formidable side, regardless of their playing eleven, especially in their home conditions. Ideally, we want to perform well and secure a victory, but our primary focus is on the upcoming World Cup in a few weeks," Cummins stated during the pre-match press conference.

India is entering the series on a high note, having recently defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final with an impressive 10-wicket win. In contrast, Australia faced disappointment with a 3-2 series loss to South Africa before their tour of India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously announced the squad for the series against Australia, revealing that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya would not be part of the first two ODIs. 

Instead, KL Rahul would take the captaincy reins for those matches, with Ravindra Jadeja serving as vice-captain. The trio of Sharma, Kohli, and Pandya would return for the final match of the series.

The much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on October 8, with India facing Australia in their opening match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.