Rohit Sharma expects competitive World Cup

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 8 October. Tipped as favorites, the Men in Blue are keen to recover lost ground after having last won the trophy back in 2011. “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,” said India skipper Rohit Sharma. “This World Cup is going to be very competitive as the game has become faster and teams are playing more positively than ever before. 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.” The tournament opens on 5 October with a match between last time’s finalists England and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will also be the venue of India’s match against arch-rivals Pakistan on 15 October.