The stage is set for an exciting ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final between tournament hosts India and 5-time champions Australia. The high-profile match takes place on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, India has excelled as a cohesive unit, while Australia has relied more heavily on individual brilliance. Harbhajan believes India's superior team play gives them an edge over the Aussies in the final.
"Australians have come through individual brilliance, and that's how they have won games. They have not played well as a team," Harbhajan assessed. "India is playing as a unit. A happy unit is a winning unit. So I believe India is a superior team going into the final."
Harbhajan highlights India's positive team culture and collective success throughout the World Cup campaign. India won all 9 of their league stage matches to finish top of the table. In contrast, Australia lost 2 league games but still qualified third for the semi-finals.
Key Australian players like Steve Smith, David Warner, and Mitchell Starc have produced crucial performances to pull the team through difficult situations. But overall, Australia has lacked the same level of cohesion in their play compared to the Indians.
For India, multiple batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have shown sublime form. The bowling unit led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja has fired consistently. Fielding has also been top-notch across the squad.
According to Harbhajan, this well-rounded team effort gives India an advantage over the individual brilliance of the Australians. But he knows Australia cannot be taken lightly as they aim for a record 6th ODI World Cup title.
India last faced Australia in a World Cup final back in 2003 in Johannesburg. On that occasion, Australia lived up to their reputation as big-match players, defeating India by 125 runs. Captain Ricky Ponting led the way with an unbeaten 140 as Australia posted a daunting 359/2. In reply, India fell well short at 234 all out.
Since that final, India has raised its game tremendously in ODI cricket. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, they shed their poor record in global event knockouts. India went on to win the World T20 in 2007, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, and most famously the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2011.
That 2011 triumph came against a familiar foe in Australia, as India won by 6 wickets in the Ahmedabad quarter-final. Gambhir and Dhoni starred in the historic successful chase of 275.
Australia still lead India 4-2 overall in ODI World Cup meetings. But India now has the confidence and self-belief to win crunch games, especially at home. With the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in the ranks, they have the match-winners to shine on the big stage.
As Harbhajan states, India's advantage lies in its unified team play. But Australia possesses plenty of individually brilliant players who can single-handedly turn matches. The final promises to be an epic showdown between India's team cohesion and Australia's individual X-factor.
All the ingredients are there for an unforgettable clash. The atmosphere will be electric at the Narendra Modi Stadium as India aims to lift the trophy for the third time. Australia is seeking a record-extending 6th title.
Both teams have shown quality and determination to overcome challenges on the path to the final. For India, their depth, balance and teamwork make them slight favourites. But write off Australia at your peril. With so much on the line, expect both sides to produce their best on the massive occasion.
