New Delhi: The Indian cricket team is in top form ahead of the ODI World Cup (ODI World Cup 2023), which will be held in India from October 5. The hosts have already clinched the ongoing 3-match ODI series against Australia (IND vs AUS) by taking a 2-0 lead. This comes after their recent triumph in the Asia Cup, where they defeated Pakistan in the final. Team India is currently ranked number one in all three formats of cricket: Test, ODI, and T20. Under the leadership of KL Rahul, who filled in for the rested Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya in the first 2 matches of the home ODI series against Australia, India has outplayed the Kangaroos in all departments.
KL Rahul, who had recovered from an injury and made a comeback in the Asia Cup, has been in sublime touch with the bat. He scored a brilliant century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four match and followed it up with two half-centuries in the current series against Australia. He has scored 110 runs in two matches at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 96.49. He has also captained Team India to victory in the last 9 international matches, which is a record for an Indian captain. Before the World Cup, Rahul seemed to be in excellent form, which is a good sign for Team India.
Team India will enter the World Cup with the number-one ranking
The Indian team is currently at number one in the rankings of all three formats of cricket (Test, ODI, and T20). This is the first time that the Indian team is at number one in all three formats at the same time. Team India will enter the World Cup as the number one team in its hosting. In the third and last match, the Indian team will be joined by regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya, who were rested in the first 2 ODIs against Australia.
Australia’s 5th consecutive defeat in ODI
On the other hand, the condition of the Australian team is very bad before the World Cup. The Kangaroo team has suffered its 5th consecutive ODI defeat. Earlier, the Australian team had reached India after losing 3 consecutive ODIs in South Africa. Kangaroos had also lost the series against the Proteas team by 2-1. They had to face defeat in the first two ODIs against India by 8 wickets and 7 wickets respectively. Their bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Indian batsmen in the Indore ODI. Cameron Green had to give away 103 runs to take 2 wickets while Shaun Abbott had to give away 91 runs to take 1 wicket.
