Sharma & Co set for Australian challenge on familiar turf

THE last time India played a home ICC Men’s ODI World Cup game, it was on the epic night in Mumbai where the then skipper MS Dhoni launched Nuwan Kulasekara into the stands of Wankhede to end the 28-year trophy drought as India lifted the World Cup

- ASHOK NENUGOPAL

12 years on, India will begin their quest to bring back the trophy home in Chennai as they take on Australia at the MA Chidambaram stadium here on Sunday.

A capacity crowd will be eagerly looking forward to Rohit Sharma and Co to open their campaign on a winning note. Both teams have injury and health concerns and one would get to know about the final XI just before the toss. Opening batter Shubman Gill’s availability continues to be in doubt as he has still not recovered from his illness. “Everybody is fit, but Gill is not a hundred percent. He’s sick, but there is no injury concern. He’s not feeling well, we are monitoring him on a daily basis. We are going to give him every chance to recover and see how he feels as he’s not ruled out,” said Sharma. “I feel for him, and in terms of being a human first, I want him to get well. Not thinking as the captain that I want Gill to play; I want him to get well as no one likes being sick. He’s a young guy, has a fit body and he  will recover quickly,” added Rohit. In the event of Gill’s unavailability, India will opt for Ishan Kishan to open with Rohit.