In their Asian Games 2023 men's hockey opener against Uzbekistan, India dominated with a resounding 16-0 victory, despite the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Singh. India took an early lead with goals from Lalit and Varun in the first quarter. They continued to extend their lead with goals from Abhishek, Mandeep, Sukhjeet, and others, ultimately reaching a 12-0 lead by the end of the third quarter. Varun and Lalit each scored their fourth goal in the final quarter, sealing India's remarkable 16-0 win. India aims for a direct berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a gold medal in the Asian Games.

The 19th Asian Games commenced on September 23 in Hangzhou, China with a glittering opening ceremony. India's 655-member contingent, its largest ever at the Asiad, was led by flagbearers Lovlina Borgohain and Harmanpreet Singh. PM Modi tweeted wishes for the Indian team, saying the country's passion for sports shines through. Borgohain, who won Olympic bronze in boxing at Tokyo, is the reigning world champion in her weight class. Meanwhile, hockey team captain Harmanpreet is India's top drag-flicker, tasked with leading the squad's gold medal charge to secure Olympic qualification. The strong Indian contingent aims to build on the country's best-ever Asian Games showing of 69 medals four years ago.

Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, Sachin Tendulkar wished the Indian team in a special way by posting a picture with legends Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Ravi Shastri. He wrote: "Grew up admiring one and had the opportunity of sharing the field with the other two. They laid the foundation with the 1983 victory, and I experienced the joy in 2011! Here's to hoping the current squad brings it home in 2023!" The post highlights Tendulkar's nostalgia about past triumphs while hoping the current team continues the legacy in the 2023 edition. His message wonderfully captures the dreams of Indian fans. [image courtesy: Sachin Tendulkar X account @sachin_rt]

India became the number one ranked ODI team after defeating Australia in the first ODI. This accomplishes a rare feat as India now hold the top spot across all three formats - Tests, ODIs and T20Is. India overtook Pakistan to reach the summit of the ODI rankings with 116 points after their win over Australia, who are third with 111 points. Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul was crucial in bowling out Australia. Chasing, fifties from Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav guided India's win. There has been a scramble at the ODI rankings top lately between India, Pakistan and Australia. But India has now cemented their position as the best all-format team by attaining the ODI pole position ahead of the World Cup at home. (Image Courtesy: ICC)

Suryakumar Yadav's fine fifty laid the foundation for India's comfortable win in the first ODI against Australia. Suryakumar scored 50 off 49 balls in his impactful stand with KL Rahul, who finished unbeaten on 62. Earlier, Mohammed Shami's 5 wickets restricted Australia to 276 despite Steve Smith's 94. India were flying early before Australia fought back. But Rahul anchored the chase with support from Suryakumar before sealing the win. His composed batting ensured India chased down the target easily to go 1-0 up. Suryakumar's maiden ODI fifty paved the way for India's convincing victory.

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami displayed his superb bowling skills, picking up impressive figures of 5/51 to help India restrict Australia to 276 in the first ODI on Friday. In his very first over, Shami got an outswinger to deviate slightly and induce an edge from Mitchell Marsh to second slip. Shami's artistic bowling was on full display as he bamboozled the Aussies with swing, seam and perfect line and length. His five-wicket haul underscored why he remains one of India's biggest match winners and an asset across formats. Shami's performance restricted Australia's total to a gettable one for India on a batting-friendly pitch. 

Three Indian wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh - Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu - have been denied entry to China for the Asian Games 2023. The rest of the 7-member Indian team flew to Hangzhou after transiting in Hong Kong. But the three players were not allowed to board the flight to China due to lack of proper clearance, and were brought back to New Delhi. Indian officials have taken up the matter with the Asian Games organisers and the Olympic Council of Asia. Chef de Mission Bhupinder Singh Bajwa said he is in talks with OCA to resolve the issue and hopes the players can fly out by evening. The players were earlier issued stapled visas instead of stamped ones for the University Games in July, leading to India's withdrawal from the event.

Shreyas Iyer returns after injury and will aim to prove match fitness. R Ashwin and Washington Sundar are in contention for the second spinner spot alongside Axar Patel. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma also need time in the middle. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav being rested for the first two ODIs, India have chances to experiment but also balance workload. Head coach Rahul Dravid has to strike the right balance between trying combinations and managing player workload ahead of the World Cup. The series will help cement spots and roles before the marquee tournament.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh predicted India, Australia, England and New Zealand as the four semifinalists for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Despite Pakistan's T20 success, Harbhajan considers them an average 50-over side. He believes the top four have stronger ODI credentials to progress further. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim to secure their third World Cup trophy after wins in 1983 and 2011, eager to end their ICC title drought since being hosts and champions in 2011.

The upcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia will serve as India's final tune-up before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 starts on October 5th. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will sit out the first two games, enabling head coach Rahul Dravid to evaluate bench talent. India wants to sustain winning momentum after clinching its 8th Asia Cup title. The series offers a chance to assess play under dew, a key factor for the World Cup at home. Focus is also on injuries, with anticipation around Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel's return. After a triumphant Asia Cup, India eyes fine-tuning its preparations for the World Cup through the Australia ODIs.