The men in blue will finally begin their World Cup 2019 campaign against South Africa on Wednesday.
Virat Kohli led team will play against South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, England.
The Proteas have lost two opening games – to England and Bangladesh and will now be looking at making a comeback in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Indian team, comprising the top-ranked one-day international batsman and bowler, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, hope to begin their World Cup campaign on a high note.
India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who is in England for the County Cricket, told SBS Hindi that he was backing the Indian team in Wednesday’s game.
“I am really excited to watch India and South Africa play this match in Southampton and I am sure the Indian team will do well. I am backing the Indian team,” said the cricketer who is in the English town to play county cricket.
Rahane: ‘We have a solid batting line up’
Rahane said India’s batting line-up was team’s huge strength along with the pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
“Rohit and Shikhar are strong openers. In fact, India has a solid batting line up. I am sure of all the batsmen. I am confident the openers will give us a good start,” he said.
“I think bowlers will have to assess the conditions of the day and bowl accordingly. The key is to play according to our bowling and batting strength [in this game] and I am sure the Indian team will do that really well.”
On Jasprit Bumrah, Rahane said Bumrah has done well in all formats lately and all eyes will be on him.
“Bumrah has done so well, in all formats and he has improved his bowling, his fitness a lot. I think he is a special talent,” he said.
(With inputs from Amit Shah in England)
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