India and South Africa will square off in the final before the final, a blockbuster to kick off Group 1 of the tournament, on the unforgiving black-soil pitch of Ahmedabad. The two teams, both familiar with the conditions, will be looking to get a head start in their pursuit of a coveted spot in the championship decider. For India's star player, 28-year-old Rohit Sharma, this match marks a return to the spotlight after a relatively quiet start to the tournament. A seasoned campaigner with 1,000+ runs in Tests, 8,000+ runs in ODIs, and 2,500+ runs in T20Is, Sharma has been the bedrock of India's batting lineup for years. His staggering strike rate of 130+ in ODIs and 140+ in T20Is is a testament to his incredible ability to dominate any bowling attack. With a career spanning over a decade, Sharma has led India to several victories, including a World Cup title in 2011. The Indian team has been in scintillating form this season, with a strong squad that boasts a mix of experience and youth. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team has been praised for its attacking brand of cricket, which has yielded impressive results in recent tournaments.