Updated On: 14 September, 2023 07:47 AM IST | Colombo | Santosh Suri
India however, must guard against complacency. After the Asia Cup, they head into a very tough three-match ODI series back home against Australia and thereafter, the World Cup that begins on October 5

India captain Rohit Sharma (2nd from right) addresses his teammates during the Asia Cup Super 4 match v Sri Lanka in Colombo recently. Pic/AFP
In the run-up to the ICC World Cup, Team India may have ticked a few important boxes, but they still have some work to do. The way the Men in Blue have played their four games in the Asia Cup this far has warmed the cockles of their supporters’ hearts, as they have defeated both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, assuring themselves a place in the final.
There have been many positives. The way the top four batted against a top-class Pakistan attack, the manner in which KL Rahul has made a grand comeback, the way Kuldeep Yadav has bamboozled the Pakistani and Sri Lankan batsman with his turn, and the performance of the pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah while defending a modest total against Sri Lanka on Tuesday night has given the team the much-needed confidence going into Sunday’s final.