Five key players to watch out for during ODI World Cup 2023 game between India vs Pakistan

In less than 24 hours, the biggest clash of the ODI World Cup 2023 is set to begin. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to witness India versus Pakistan. The mega clash was initially to be played on the 15^th of October but was pushed a day earlier after the schedule was reworked. For the 8^th time in the history of the ODI World Cup, the two teams will collide and here are the five players one must watch out for. 

#5. Virat Kohli – India 

The former India skipper has begun the ODI World Cup 2023 with two successive half-centuries. Virat Kohli scored 85 versus Australia in Chennai and followed it up with 55 not out versus Afghanistan. The 34-year-old hasn’t scored a World Cup century since his 107 versus Pakistan in Adelaide during the 2015 edition. Ahmedabad is expected to be a batting beauty and we might just witness a Virat Kohli special on Saturday.

#4. Babar Azam – Pakistan 

The Pakistan skipper has scored a total of 15 runs in the first two games of the ODI World Cup 2023. There is no denying the class that the 29-year-old oozes with the bat. On his day Babar Azam has the ability to take the best of attacks and put it to sword. While the Indian bowling is strong if Babar Azam finds form then it will be a long day in the park for the Men in Blue. 

#3. Rohit Sharma – India

The 36-year-old showed his old vintage form when he scored a brutal 131 runs off 84 balls against Afghanistan. That century was the 7^th in World Cup history for the Indian skipper in the history of the tournament. Rohit Sharma will hope that he can continue the same form on Saturday during the ODI World Cup 2023 game versus Pakistan. If Rohit Sharma gets into his groove one can expect a few more records tumbling. 

#2. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan  

Pakistan’s most lethal weapon against is none other than 23-year-old Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm seam bowler has had success against India in the games he has played so far. Barring that performance in Colombo, the Indian team will be wary of Afridi’s talents. With the new ball, there is no one more lethal than Shaheen Shah Afridi with his ability to swing the ball. The Indian fans will hope the 23-year-old doesn’t find his groove during the ODI World Cup 2023 game on Saturday. 

#1. Jasprit Bumrah – India 

Rohit Sharma’s hope with the ball for India will depend on Jasprit Bumrah. The 29-year-old will be playing his first game at home in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday. Bumrah has been amazing so far with the new ball as well as with the old ball. During the game against Afghanistan, Bumrah was the star with the ball with figures of 4/39 from his ten overs.