IND vs AUS World Cup 2023: Which Four India players will sit out for Australia match?

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The Indian team will be up against Australia in their ICC ODI World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday (October 8) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The high-octane clash is set to take centre stage as the two rivals collide, both eyeing for a positive start to their World Cup campaign.

Amid the sky high expectations on the Indian team, there are a few issues which have loomed large on them. India lost Axar Patel a couple of weeks ago, who has now been replaced by veteran Ravichandran Ashwin, and now there is uncertainty over Shubman Gill's future as well.

Gill has been diagnosed with illness, most likely dengue, and may miss out the first match against Australia.

Among the 15-member squad that India have, four players will have to sit out for the first match. Considering Shubman Gill is fit to play, here are the four players who may miss out the Australia clash on Sunday-

Ishan Kishan

Shubman Gill's fitness may mean the exclusion of Ishan Kishan. The Southpaw has been decent in the opportunities that he has had, but the think tank will opt for KL Rahul, who has rejuvenated himself with a couple of decent knocks in the Asia Cup. Kishan's quality is undoubted, but we may see KL Rahul being opted for his versatility in batting and experience.

Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav's inclusion in the Indian team has raised eyebrows. The swashbuckler so far has failed to convert his T20 credentials to the 50-over format. Although he scored two decent half centuries against Australia in the bilateral last month, he may have to sit out the crunch encounter.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been one of the best pacers for India across all formats. Although he has spearheaded the Indian attack for a long time, he may have to sit out for the Australia match. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are ahead in the pecking order and it looks like Shami's services may not be required.

Shardul Thakur

India can afford one pace bowling all-rounder in the match. With both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin poised to play in Chennai, it is between Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya - and it is a no-brainer that Hardik Pandya will get the nod ahead of Thakur.

Shardul has mostly been a squad player in the Indian setup and it is certain that the Mumbai-born will miss out the Australia clash.