World Cup 2019: 7 Player Battles to watch out for – Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada | MS Dhoni vs Jofra Archer

World Cup 2019, the biggest extravaganza of the sport has begun, and the teams have set the ball rolling with their respective assignments. However, the Indian campaign is yet to start, as Kohli's troops are set to take on South Africa in their inaugural clash.

The Indian Team is a perfect blend of youth with experience, as some of the World Cup debutants like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, are prepared to give the biggest names in the world a stiff challenge at the biggest stage.

Let us have a look at the key face-offs which would be on exhibition as India would take on their opponents in the tournament:

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#7 Hardik Pandya vs Rashid Khan

Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan are the X-Factors of their sides going into the cricketing blitz at England. Both are known for their aggressive nature and have the ability to single-handedly swing the fortunes of the game in the favour of their sides. Furthermore, Pandya and Rashid are death over specialists, as Pandya can set the ball rolling at the end, while Rashid can apply brakes on the scoreboard with his lethal leg spin.

Hardik has a penchant for spin bowling, having built a reputation for himself by smashing the likes of Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Adam Zampa and Todd Astle for three consecutive sixes. Similarly, Rashid is renowned for building a vicious web around the opposition's batsmen. He is particularly known for trapping the pinch hitters. It would be a great sight for the fans to cherish, when these aggressive and fearless match winners shall face-off at the death, determined to hand an ace up the sleeve of their respective sides.

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#6 Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult

As India will get set to play their third game at the World Cup, they shall be up for two challenges; Trent Bridge and Trent Boult. Adding to this would be the fire to erase the horrid memories of the warm-up game at the stage where it would matter the most.

Virat Kohli and Trent Boult are the linchpins of their respective departments in their respective squads. The two have clashed against each other on numerous occasions, and Kohli has held an upper hand in these face-offs. Trent Bridge, a venue that conventionally offered swing, has been a stage of run-fest of late, with scores of 350 odd being scored consistently. In such a case, the venue would be offering something for both the players, which would make the battle more mouth-watering for the viewers.

#4 Jasprit Bumrah vs Andre Russell

Jasprit Bumrah and Andre Russell have been in a purple patch for a fairly good period of time, making the death overs a nightmare for their respective oppositions. Russell has been unstoppable in the past few months, irrespective of venues, bowlers and situations. Such has been his dominance that even wrist injuries have not impacted his power-hitting, and it is his sheer strength that even a mistimed shot finds its way 10 rows back into the stands. However, if there is someone who can contain Dre Russ, it's certainly Jasprit Bumrah,

Bumrah has been at the top of his class across formats, and is ranked No.1 in ODIs. Be it cutters, bouncers, yorkers or deceptive slower balls, the 25-year old has all the weapons in his arsenal. Above all, his calm and composure at the death is an invaluable asset, which enables him to execute the yorkers to perfection. It would certainly be a visual delight when the master of death bowling and the world's most fearsome hitter lock horns at the biggest stage.

#3 MS Dhoni vs Jofra Archer

MS Dhoni is the most experienced individual across oppositions going into the tournament. Widely acknowledged as the best finisher to have graced the game, Dhoni is still at the top of his game even in the twilight years of his career. As India would take on pre-tournament favourites England, Dhoni would be keen on executing some of his tricks to edge over the hosts. However, in this process, he would be challenged by England's new pace sensation Jofra Archer.

Archer is England's X-Factor in the World Cup, and his performances in the T20 arena made the hosts fast track him into the side. He is capable of executing a number of variations at the death overs and creating troubles of all sorts. Dhoni, on the other hand, is disparate from all other pinch-hitters and finishers in his approach towards the game, with an unparalleled ability to read the situation. He knows exactly when and against whom to press the pedal. While Dhoni is known for being absolutely calm even in the tensest of situations, Archer, a youngster, is an aggressive character.

The clash between Dhoni and Archer would be that of an aged wine versus sparkling champagne and would be extremely delicious for the cricket connoisseurs.

#2 Jasprit Bumrah vs Jos Buttler

Another highly anticipated battle in India vs England clash would be one when reversing the departments in the death overs, with the two powerhouses Jasprit Bumrah and Jos Buttler facing off in the bid for an important win towards the end of the round robin stage.

Buttler has been on a roll in the previous one year, having developed many new facets in his batting. He is capable of unleashing himself at the end as well as providing stability, as per the demand of the situation. This approach has established him among one of the best finishers in today's date.

Bumrah, on the other hand, also has all the requisite skill sets to give the best in the business a run for their money towards the death overs. He is particularly top class with his accurate yorkers, which function as a two-edged sword, preventing runs as well as picking wickets.

Bumrah and Buttler have shared the dressing room for a couple of seasons at the Mumbai Indians, and would certainly be aware of a few tricks of each other. It would be a brilliant show on display, as two skillfully equipped and temperamentally strong individuals battle their way at the cricketing extravaganza.

#1 Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada

Arguably the most awaited battle of the ICC World Cup, this rivalry requires no introduction. The two are the best players of their sides, and respective spearheads of their departments. Furthermore, the ability and aggression are equal in magnitude, making the contest all the more interesting.

Virat Kohli and Kagiso Rabada have clashed with each other on umpteen occasions, and the battle has been mouth-watering irrespective of the venue or format. The face-offs have been highly engaging for the players as well as the fans, with verbal duels also being exchanged between the two talismans.

India is all set to lock horns with South Africa in their inaugural clash of the World Cup, while the latter comes on the back of two consecutive losses. Before the teams take ground, Rabada has already labelled the Indian skipper as immature, adding another flavour to the battle.

It would be interesting to see whether Rabada succeeds to trap Kohli, or whether his comment culminates in further misery for the Proteas.