New Delhi, March 13 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open lower on Friday as rising crude oil prices due to the US-Iran war continue to dent investor sentiment.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a weak start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,560 level, a discount of nearly 168 points from the Nifty futures' previous close.

On Thursday, the Indian stock market crashed again, with the benchmark Nifty 50 closing below 23,700 level.

The Sensex slumped 829.29 points, or 1.08%, to close at 76,034.42, while the Nifty 50 settled 227.70 points, or 0.95%, lower at 23,639.15.

Here's what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty today:

Sensex is forming...