ICC World Cup 2019: India's 'Virat' hopes set for acid test

The ODI World Cup starts on Thursday; and with simply 10 groups within the fray, there are simplest men, no minnows. There aren't any easy games within the round-robin layout, as all 10 groups play every different as soon as, a layout remaining used at the 1992 World Cup. The groups completing within the best 4 will progress to the semi-finals, with the summit clash scheduled for July 14 at the Home of Cricket, Lord's .

ICC WORLD CUP 2019: Full Schedule

Can Kohli & Co carry back the Cup that India has won twice - in 2011 and 1983? Here’s a snapshot of how the Men in Blue fit up against each opponent, starting their campaign against South Africa in Southampton.

June 5
India (World No. 2) vs S Africa (World No. 3)
Venue: Hampshire Bowl, Southampton

Watch Out For: Kagiso Rabada. Speed Gun
Forecast: Traditionally a tough opponent. But India thrashed the Proteas 5-1 in their den remaining year. Wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal dangle the key.

June 9
India vs Australia (World No. 5)
Venue: The Oval, London

Watch Out For: David Warner, opener on a venture
Forecast: The present world champions have recovered from the ball-tampering controversy. With opener Warner and ex-captain Smith nearly back at their easiest, India have a tough activity readily available.

June 13
India vs New Zealand (World No. 4)
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Watch Out For: Kane Williamson. Able leader & crew’s batting backbone
Forecast: Tricky and troublesome combatants. But India walloped them 4-1 in Kiwi-land earlier this year. That will have to help.

June 16
India vs Pakistan (World No. 6)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Watch Out For: Mohd Hasnain. Just 19. Speed: 150kmph plus
Forecast: Will be a battle of nerves. Record favours India. But Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy final against the archrivals.

June 22
India vs Afghanistan (World No. 10)
Venue: Hampshire Bowl, Southampton

Watch Out For: Rashid Khan, leg-spinner, fit winner
Forecast: Afghanistan have an excellent spin attack. India can't come up with the money for complacency but will have to be excellent enough to take them down.

June 27
India vs West Indies (World No. eight)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Watch Out For: Shai Hope. In-form batsman, 50-plus average
Forecast: Loaded with explosive hitters. Weak in spin division. India get started favourites.

June 30
India vs England (World No. 1)
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Watch Out For: All the batsmen, particularly Jos Buttler. Big hitter. Game-changer.
Forecast: In intimidating batting sort, England’s the crew to beat.

July 2
India vs Bangladesh (World No. 7)
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Watch Out For: Shakib Al Hasan, world No. 1 all-rounder
Forecast: In each division, India have the higher hand, but who can forget the cruel spring of 2007.

July 6
India vs Sri Lanka (World No. 9)
Venue: Headingley, Leeds

Watch Out For: Kusal Perera, damaging on his day

Forecast: The islanders are going through a rebuilding phase. But Kohli & co must be careful for Malinga, past his prime but nonetheless deadly