ODI World Cup 2023: Team India jets off to Trivandrum for second warm-up game after Guwahati washout

The Men in Blue have embarked on their journey to Trivandrum for a crucial World Cup warm-up clash against the Netherlands, set to take place on Tuesday, October 3, at the Greenfield Stadium. However, both teams find themselves grappling with an unexpected adversary in the form of rain. In the lead-up to this encounter, the warm-up match between India and England was marred by inclement weather, with not a single delivery being bowled. Similarly, the Netherlands' warm-up duel with Australia also fell victim to the unpredictable rain gods during the second innings. 

On Sunday, the Indian contingent bid adieu to the Guwahati airport, bound for Trivandrum, with hopes of a rain-free showdown against the Dutch side. Recalling their initial warm-up skirmish against England, Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first in India's first warm-up game of the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Mother Nature had different plans, as a deluge of rain descended upon Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, shrouding the city in ominous clouds, and ultimately forcing the match to be abandoned.

Despite the washout, all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming clash between India and the Netherlands, as it serves as a tantalizing preview of the main event, where Team India is slated to commence their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8, in Chennai.

A spree of comebacks for Team India ahead of World Cup 2023

In a significant development for the Indian side, seasoned bowler Ravichandran Ashwin was drafted into the final 15-man squad, last Thursday. This change came in the wake of an unfortunate injury sidelining the left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, who won't be able to participate in the tournament. Ashwin's inclusion joins a list of notable comebacks, with the likes of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah rejoining the squad. 

Rahul, marking his return with authority, notched up a century against arch-rivals Pakistan in a thrilling Super Four Asia Cup encounter.  Iyer, too, showcased his prowess with a magnificent century in the second ODI against Australia. As for Bumrah, the ace pacer displayed glimpses of his vintage form, delivering a fiery spell against Pakistan during the Super Fours of the Asia Cup.