Team India captain Rohit Sharma has given a clear hint about his bowling attack for the hosts' opening match against Australia in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai on Sunday, October 8.

The Indian skipper said that he considers his deputy Hardik Pandya as a fast bowler, and that he offers the Men in Blue the luxury of picking three spinners in the playing XI.

This statement gave a hint that Team India will be going with the spin trio of off-spinner R Ashwin, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav against Australia in Chennai.

The pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, and one between Mohammad Shami or Mohammed Siraj, and then the 'fast-bowler' Hardik, will complete India’s bowling attack for the mega clash on Sunday.

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Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference: “Yeah, I mean that's the luxury we have where we can afford to play three spinners, because I don't really consider Hardik Pandya as just a seamer. He's a proper fast bowler, who can crank up good speed. So that gives us an advantage.”

He added, “That gives us that luxury of playing three spinners and three seamers as well you know so there's a possibility that we can play three spinners on this pitch with three seamers as well, so it gives us that balance gives us that number eight batting option as well.”

Rohit signed off by saying, “So, yeah like I said will we have to come here again tomorrow afternoon and see what the pitch looks like but yeah, three spinners is definitely an option.”

(With IANS inputs)