India vs Australia ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Preview - 5th Match

The 50-over World Cup stands as cricket's paramount event, a sentiment echoed by Rohit Sharma. As we are four matches into the tournament, the fervour is set to intensify this Sunday in Chennai. It marks India's debut match in this home World Cup, and with them being the favourites, the weight of expectations is palpable. The atmosphere will be charged, reflecting both anticipation and underlying anxiety.

Venue Insights

The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, rich with heritage and tradition, has recently been refurbished. Among its notable features are murals that celebrate the game's iconic moments, including the unexpected portrayal of Pakistan's victory lap in 1999. This showcases Chepauk's unbiased crowd, known for appreciating commendable cricket, irrespective of which team is playing. Sunday promises to be electric, reflecting the importance of the match and the audience's passion.

Form Guide - India

India's performance has seen varied results leading up to this pivotal match, with their last five ODIs registering as LWWWL. Their inaugural game is against Australia, marking a challenging start. Given the significance of this opener, India's resolve will be tested as they look to establish dominance early in the tournament.

Form Guide - Australia

Australia's recent outings reveal a more challenging trajectory with a form guide of WLLLL. This indicates the Aussies' eagerness to overturn their recent form and make a dominant start. While this Australian side differs from the teams of 1999, 2003, or 2007, they remain contenders, showcasing their persistent World Cup prowess.

Players to Watch

For India, Hardik Pandya stands out. More than his batting prowess, his significance in terms of a genuine third seamer in white-ball cricket provides India with a strategic advantage. On the Australian side, Glenn Maxwell's evolution into an authentic ODI all-rounder makes him a crucial player, especially on a pitch like Chepauk that's expected to favour spin.

Team Composition