India captain Rohit Sharma believes the upcoming ICC World Cup will be "very competitive" as the game has "become faster" and teams embracing a more attacking approach like never before.
India will be aiming for their third title and the second at home when they begin their campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup against Australia in Chennai on October 8.
The hosts will play all their nine league matches at different venues including the new Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
"It’s going to be a great experience playing in the World Cup at home. India won here 12 years ago, and I know fans nationwide can't wait for us to take the field this time. This World Cup is going to be very competitive as the game has become faster and teams are playing more positively than ever before," Rohit was quoted as saying in an ICC release.
The Indian skipper said he was hoping his team would live up to the expectations of the home crowd.
"All this augurs well for fans worldwide, promising them many thrilling moments. We look forward to preparing well and being at our best this October-November," he added.
The tournament opens on October 5 with a match between last edition's finalists England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will also be the venue of India's much-anticipated clash with arch-rival Pakistan on October 15.
India and Pakistan have faced each other seven times previously – in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
India have won all of the previous seven encounters, a record they extended to the T20 World Cups as well until recently.
The only time both the teams didn't meet since that first match in 1992 was in 2007, which was a disastrous campaign for both teams as they crashed out of the tournament in the opening round.
The last time these teams met in the 50 overs World Cup was in 2019 at Old Trafford with India posting a massive 336/5 on the back of a fantastic 113-ball 140 by Rohit Sharma.
Being 'Delhi da Munda' means having a stress-free approach, says Kohli ahead of 300th ODI
As India are set to face New Zealand in Dubai to determine who tops Group A in the Champions Trophy, India star batter Virat Kohli opened up about his Delhi roots and said his prototype 'Delhi da munda' denotes a stress-free approach towards things.
Women's Pro League: India beat World No. 1 Netherlands 2-1 in shootout, Hockey India announces cash prize
Following the incredible upset victory, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh to each Indian player and Rs 50,000 to each member of the support staff in addition to their existing policy of rewarding Rs 50,000 for every victory.
India don't need to be complacent, should focus on big matches ahead: BCCI Secy
After India's thumping six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia lauded the team for their effort and advised them to not be complacent and focus on the big matches ahead.
Big games equal big names: Ponting lauds Kohli's masterclass against Pakistan in CT
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has lauded India star batter Virat Kohli’s ability to step up in crucial moments after the right-hander steered India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy with a rollicking unbeaten ton.
India beat Bangladesh for 2-0 lead in Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind
India continued their winning streak, securing a 43-run victory over Bangladesh in the second game of the five-match Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind 2025 here on Monday.
Champions Trophy: Indian team management will be extremely happy with near-perfect execution, says Paranjape
Jatin Paranjape, the former India cricketer and national selector, stated that the current team management will be thrilled with the near-flawless execution by the Rohit Sharma-led side in registering a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
NRAI announces 35-member Indian Shooting team for year’s first two ISSF World Cups
Olympic Games double-bronze medallist Manu Bhaker is the only one selected for two individual events by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the year's first two World Cups which will kick-start the international shooting sports season for 2025.
Mumbai Open: Indian duo of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Riya Bhatia enter QF
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare and Rutuja Bhosale all enter the quarter final stage of the Mumbai Open 2025 after what was a fruitful day for India’s doubles charge.