With the World Cup approaching in just over a month's time, the attention of the entire cricketing world has been on the mega-event, with discussions constantly taking place about each team's best combination, tactics and chances of victory.
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India have one of the strongest squads among the teams at the World Cup. However, the side has been rocked in recent months by injuries to key players. Rishabh Pant will miss the World Cup, while Jasprit Bumrah has just made his comeback.
Middle-order batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are set to return to competitive action during the Asia Cup but it remains to be seen how well they will hold up. But former Australia leg-spinner Brad Hogg feels India are still a daunting prospect.
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"I think Australia are the only team that can knock India off in the World Cup" - Brad Hogg
In an interview with Revsportz, Hogg felt that his country was the only one that could cause India serious problems in the World Cup. He said -
I think Australia are the only team that can knock India off in the World Cup. So I'm quietly confident with that, with the team that we've got right now. They've had success in the World Test Championship, are having success in the Ashes and they seem as though they're very switched on. So I think that's going to be a great contest.
Hogg went on to acknowledge the fitness issues India had, as well as decision that needed to be made with regards to the combination of the side, but maintained that the Men in Blue were still strong contenders for the big prize.
When is India vs Australia in the World Cup?
India take on Australia in their 2023 World Cup opener at Chennai on October 8.
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