Shubman Gill puts fear, Ishan Kishan has technical faults: Aaron Finch starts playing mind-games ahead of IND vs AUS ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash

Shubman Gill doubtful, Ishan Kishan likely to open for India in IND vs AUS ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash.

The high-voltage clash between India and Australia, is set to take place on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This will be the opening match for both teams, and they will look to start with a win. India and Australia have produced some thrilling encounters in the last few World Cup editions, and these two teams are the prime contenders to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as well.

That is why this game is very important for the tournament. Notably, both teams played a three-match ODI series just ahead of the World Cup, which India won 2-1. But Australia had some game time during the warm-up matches, while both warm-up games for India were washed out. So some Indian players might look a bit rusty, but performing on the big stage against a formidable opponent will surely be a confidence booster.

Aaron Finch makes big statement on Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan ahead of IND vs AUS ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash

The hosts will be keen to get off to a good start, and a win against Australia will give him huge confidence. But it won't be that easy, as apart from Australian challenge, India are also struggling with a headache for Rohit Sharma's opening partner. Star opener Shubman Gill was diagnosed with dengue just two days before the clash, and he might miss India's first game. In that case, Ishan Kishan is likely open the innings with Rohit.

Shubman Gill has been the highest scorer in 2023, and his absence will be a blow for India. Ishan can give India the right-hand and left-hand options at the top. But former Australian skipper Aaron Finch feels that India are the favourites, but Ishan Kishan batting at the top will not give India the same stability as Gill used to.

In an interaction on Star Sports, Finch said, "India would be pretty comfortable. The difference will be the fear factor Shubman Gill puts into the Australian team. He is someone who, at times, really struggles to bowl in any format. Starc and Hazelwood I would go with that selection if I had to bowl to the left-hander. The outswing to Ishan is because I still think he has a few technical faults he still hasn't quite ironed out over the last while." It will be interesting to see what India's opening combination will be, but both teams are expected to provide a nail-biting game.