ICC World Cup 2023 | 3 Big Concerns For India Ahead Of Opening Game Vs Australia

image-lnbju184Rohit Sharma will lead India in the World Cup [AP]

Led by legendary opener Rohit Sharma, India will kickstart their 2023 World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia in Chennai on October 8, Sunday. After the Men in Blue emerged victorious in the Asia Cup 2023, their both warm-up games in the World Cup were abandoned due to incessant rain in Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. 

Although India have named a formidable squad for the World Cup, there are several concerns for them heading to the marquee event. So, ahead of India's World Cup opener against Australia, let's analyse and find out three major headaches for the Indian think tank before the mega clash. 


Lack of match practice for Virat Kohli

image-lnbjukylVirat Kohli hasn't had enough game time recently [AP]

Virat Kohli has been an absolute legend for India in ODIs, amassing 13083 runs at an average of 57.38 and a strike rate of 93.78. However, the Indian stalwart hasn't had a lot of game time recently, which could prevent him from making an impact against Australia. He hammered a scintillating ton against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup, but couldn't get enough opportunity to bat in the remaining games and the home series against Australia. 


Ravindra Jadeja's worrisome form

image-lnbjv5n1Ravindra Jadeja in action [AP]

Regarded as one of the finest all-rounders of this generation, Ravindra Jadeja has been a vital cog in the Indian setup across formats. However, the southpaw's struggle to accelerate in the death overs has raised serious questions on his finishing skills. 

Furthermore, Jadeja hasn't been stellar with the ball as well, picking only 35 wickets in 42 ODIs at a horrendous strike rate of 55.26. 

What's more concerning is if he continues to struggle, India don't have his first-choice replacement, Axar Patel, in the World Cup squad. 


The number 8 conundrum

image-lnbjzb1wRavichandran Ashwin could play as 3rd spinner vs Australia [AP]

Considering his ability to score handy runs down the order, India have backed Shardul Thakur for the third seamer's role in their ODI side. However, despite being impressive with his wicket-taking abilities, Thakur's batting hasn't been something to celebrate for the Men in Blue. 

Furthermore, Mohammed Shami's recent exploits could prompt India to rope him in as the third seamer, while Ravichandran Ashwin could also get a wildcard entry, considering the Chennai track's conduciveness for spin bowling. 

So, in such a scenario, there are three quality candidates for the number eight's position, which could be a happy headache for Team India.