World Cup 2019 : 3 opponents India might struggle against

After two months of exhilarating action in the IPL, cricketing fans around the globe will be looking forward to the World Cup, which starts from 30th May in the United Kingdom. The first match of the tournament will see the home side England taking on South Africa at the Kennington Oval in London.

India is the second-ranked team in ODI cricket and are favorites to win the tournament along with the hosts. The Men in Blue will be marching into the tournament with full enthusiasm as they'll take on South Africa on 5th June in their first encounter at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Now let's have a look at three opposing teams who have the potential to create problems for India in this World Cup.

---

#3 New Zealand

New Zealand's World Cup Squad (Image Courtesy - ICC/cricketworldcup.com)

India will be playing against New Zealand on 13th June at Trent Bridge. The Kiwis were the runners up of the 2015 World Cup and will look to get past the final hurdle this time. India has played against New Zealand seven times in World Cup history, out of which they have only won three times with a win percentage of 42.85.

Though India did register a 4-1 series win over them at the start of 2019 where Mohammad Shami was the Man of the Series but the Kiwis have always troubled the Indians on the big stage. It's the World Cup, the expectations will be high, conditions will be different and if Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor continue being in good form, it won't be an easy ride for Virat Kohli's men. The Kiwi pace attack has the potential to trouble any batting unit in the world and with India's weak middle order, they will fancy their chances.

#2 England

England World Cup Squad (Image Courtesy - ICC/cricketworldcup.com)

Being the host for the World Cup is undoubtedly a massive advantage and England will be looking to take full advantage of that. India will face them on the 30th June; almost towards the end of the league stage. These two teams have played seven times against each other in the World Cup out of which both have won three times each and one match ended in a tie.

Though England has a less experienced bowling side, it will be difficult for India to match the batting prowess of the hosts. In the on-going series of England and Pakistan, England recently chased down 358 with five overs to spare; which shows how explosive the England batsmen are. Indian bowlers will have a tough job to restrict these batsmen and control the run flow as they will look to entertain their home crowd.

#1 Australia

Australia World Cup Squad (Image Courtesy - ICC/cricketworldcup.com)

The Australian team is the most successful team in the World Cup history having won the tournament five times. With David Warner and Steve Smith coming back into the side, the team looks complete with a perfect blend of experience and youth and will be looking to retain the title; they won in 2015.

India has played against Australia 11 times in World Cups, out of which they have only managed to win three times with a winning percentage of 27.27. Both the teams will play against each other on 9th June at The Oval in what is one of the most awaited games in the tournament. The Indian team was knocked out in the semi-final by Australia in the last World Cup and they will have to perform exceptionally well in all departments to defeat this power-packed Australian side.