Team India’s upcoming ODI World Cup preparations seem to be on track as they won the Asia Cup 2023 title in a dominant fashion.

The Men in Blue on Sunday (September 17) humiliated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Colombo to clinch their record-extending 8th Asia Cup title.

During the continental tournament, the Rohit Sharma-led side outplayed the opponents except for the 6-run loss against Bangladesh in Super 4s, where they decided to rest their several first-choice players having qualified for the final.

After the Asia Cup triumph, the Indian team will now host Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting September 22.

The series will also serve as key preparation for the 50-over World Cup, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

However, Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram feels the series against Australia is a bit “unnecessary” as it might add to the fatigue for Indian players.

“There are different venues and traveling in India… it takes a day (between every match). You need to preserve energy before the World Cup. I don't know why they are playing three ODIs. It is probably done a long time ago, but it was a bit unnecessary,” Akram said on Star Sports following India's win in the Asia Cup final.

“You don't want to be tired before a mega-tournament where you are favourites at home. If you want some more players in the squad, you can play those in the three ODIs against Australia,” he added.

Mohali will host the ODI series opener between India and Australia. The action then moves to Indore where the second ODI will take place on September 24. Rajkot will stage the series finale on September 27.

India will also play two warm-up games before the World Cup against England (September 30) and Netherlands (October 3).

Rohit Sharma and his men will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.