On Sunday, Team India is set to compete against Australia in the 2023 World Cup final. The grand event will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
So far, India’s team, also known as “The Men in Blue,” are riding high. They haven’t lost a match yet. Sweeping aside all competition with continuous nine victories in the World Cup, they topped over New Zealand, beating them by 70 runs in the semi-final in Mumbai.
The Men in Blue batted first against the Kiwis, amassing a massive score of 397/4. On predicted lines, New Zealand responded with a fierce reaction. However, they came very short in the end, falling 70 runs short.
Meanwhile, Australia dominated with the ball in the second semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata, limiting the Proteas to 212. The Australians struggled with the bat but kept their nerve to win by three wickets.
India, the current favorites, know reputation alone won’t secure victory. They’re aware that facing Australia on the pitch is a challenging task, especially in the final.
In the build-up to the big showdown, let’s look at five key elements that could decide the ultimate world champion.
1. The Key Role of Rohit Sharma in Facing Hazlewood and Starc
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has been outstanding with the bat at the top of the order. With some daring stroke play, he has taken it upon himself to give the Men in Blue the early momentum in the innings. Although Rohit may not had as many massive scores as Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer, his quick 40s have set the tone, which the middle order batsmen have pounced on beautifully.
The full-on strategy has been effective. However, it’s clear Rohit’s toughest test might be the final match against Australia, facing players such as Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. The Indian captain may find it less simple to battle the experienced Aussie pair.
When the sides played at the opening of the World Cup, Rohit was caught lbw for a duck by Hazlewood. Can the Hitman beat the Aussies this time?
2. How to Face Adam Zampa: The Challenge for India’s Batters
The match between India’s middle-order hitters and champion Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the 2023 World Cup final might be decisive.
Everyone knows Virat Kohli sometimes struggles with the Aussie spinner. The five-time champs hope to use this to their advantage. But it’s not like before, when Kohli wasn’t as good. Right now, the Indian batter is at his peak.
But it’s not just about Kohli. The way Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav cope with the Zampa danger will also play a role in the final. When the two sides met at the opening of the 2023 World Cup, Zampa took 0/53 in eight overs.
He has, however, recaptured his form in spectacular way since then and might offer a significant threat to Team India in the final on Sunday.
3. How Bumrah’s Opening Spell Can Trouble Warner and Head
If Rohit Sharma sets the tone for India with the bat, Jasprit Bumrah sets the tone with the ball for the Men in Blue. In virtually every game, the right-arm bowler has the uncommon opportunity to take an early wicket. In Chennai, Bumrah started the 2023 World Cup by removing Mitchell Marsh for a duck. In some ways, the wicket set the tone for India’s amazing campaign.
Bumrah continued to take crucial wickets in consecutive matches, the most of them early in his tenure. However, in the semi-final against New Zealand, he failed to make the early breakthrough, and the Men in Blue were temporarily placed under pressure.
Australia might attack Bumrah in order to disturb him. The clash between the Indian speedster and Australia’s openers, David Warner and Travis Head, promises to be exciting.
4. Shami’s World Cup Dream: Can He Repeat His Magic?
Six matches, 23 wickets, 9.13 average, three five-wicket hauls. There isn’t much else to say about Indian bowler Mohammed Shami’s sensational bowling efforts in the 2023 World Cup.
Imagine how many wickets he would have had by now if he had also played in India’s first four matches.
Shami’s strengths include his near-perfect seam stance and ability to choose wickets while remaining simple. When he faces the Australians in the final, the 33-year-old will attempt to repeat his performance.
However, unlike some of their opponents, Australian hitters will make a point of not allowing Shami to settle into a line and length. The major issue is whether they will succeed.
5. India’s Spinners vs Australia’s Middle Order
People thought India’s twirling bowlers would be key in their 2023 World Cup run. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have not disappointed, nabbing 16 and 15 outs each. Once the fast bowlers finish, Jadeja and Kuldeep make sure the other team stays tense.
In the semi-final against South Africa, Australia’s middle order struggled, with both Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi making an impression. The Australians are susceptible in this aspect of their game.
Kuldeep and Jadeja have the ability to target Australia’s batting weakness. As a result, the duel between India’s spinners and Australia’s middle-order hitters has the potential to have a significant impact on the outcome.
