'Play fearless, take pressure': Hardik Pandya reveals his expectations from Team IND during CWC run

A lot will be at stake as India are set to open their ICC World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on 8th October. The hosts are termed as the favourites due to their familiarity with the home soil. Team India last lifted the World Cup in 2011 but that time they were the joint hosts alongside Bangladesh.

3 things you need to know

• India to face Australia on 8th October in Chennai
• Team India currently have two ODI World Cup titles
• Hardik Pandya will be Rohit Sharma's deputy in the tournament

Hardik Pandya reveals what could be India's success mantra in the World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Co. warmed up in style for the tournament with a 2-1 ODI series win over Australia and expectations will be at their peak during the cricketing extravaganza. India will enter the World Cup as the number one ODI team and they need to buckle up for a rough and tough journey. The 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat at the hands of New Zealand is still fresh and the Men In Blue would be adamant to avoid any such incidents again. The 15 member squad does comprise a perfect mix of batting and bowling and the onus will be on the home side to turn the tide in their favour

Vice captain Hardik Pandya is aware of the pressure they will be getting during the upcoming few weeks but insisted that would help them to get the best out of them.

"It is exciting with a lot of expectations, but at the same time we are going to get a lot of love and support and cheers which is going to get the best out of us.

"We have got some world class batters and world class bowlers. We just need to come together, play fearless, take the pressure and expectation to our advantage and continue what we have done.

"We have been No.1 (ranked side) for quite some time in recent years and it means definitely we have done really well and we just need to turn that moment into World Cups and we are confident this year we will be able to."