Srinagar March 03 (KNS): As India and Australia prepare for a crucial Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, echoes of Pat Cummins' famous words from November 18, 2023, still resonate: "There's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent."

The two teams have faced each other four times in ICC ODI tournaments since India's 2011 World Cup quarter-final win, with both sides winning twice. While India triumphed in round-robin matches at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, Australia emerged victorious in the 2015 semi-final and the 2023 final. That last encounter, on November 19, 2023, was a historic moment, as an all-conquering Indian side fell short against an Australia team that, despite being slightly inferior on paper, delivered a match-winning performance.

This time, the gap between the two teams appears wider. Australia is without its first-choice pace attack, and Dubai's conditions favor India. However, in a knockout game, anything can happen.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAustralia still possesses game-changers, particularly Travis Head—who has tormented India before—along with a strong middle order and Adam Zampa's potent leg spin.

For India, the semi-final brings added significance beyond the trophy. Questions loom over the future of senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who stepped away from T20Is after India's World Cup win last year. With Kohli recently completing 300 ODIs, speculation grows over how long they will continue in the format. Could this Champions Trophy be their last major ICC event?

Regardless of their future, the trio will be eager to add another ODI trophy to their legacy. While all three were part of India's victorious 2013 Champions Trophy campaign, and Kohli has a 2011 World Cup medal, this generation—arguably India's finest ODI team—still seeks the silverware to cement its status in history. (KNS)