Last Update on: September 25th, 2023 at 09:42 pm
India Cricket Team are set to witness a number of changes going into the dead rubber third ODI against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma, who was rested for the two games, will be back and is likely to open alongside a new batting partner for the last match as per the reports in PTI.
Various media reports have suggested that Shubman Gill along with Shardul Thakur have been rested for the last game. This makes way for Ishan Kishan to come at the top and open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the last game. The keeper-batter will also be an opening option for the World Cup.
Apart from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav will also be back in the XI for the last game after being rested for two games. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second game, has joined the team and most likely will walk straight away into the XI.
“As per the rotation policy of the team, Bumrah, who was given a couple of days off to freshen up is back along with skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav. Gill, who has been playing continuously gets to cool his heels for 3-4 days along with Shardul Thakur,” a source close to BCCI said as quoted by PTI.
The reports have suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mukesh Kumar, who was added as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the second ODI, have been released from the Indian squad. The duo will be now joining the team for the Asian Games, which will be soon leaving for China.
It is also learned that Washington Sundar will also be released from the squad soon. The all-rounder is also part of the Asian Games squad. He didn’t play in the first two games against Australia and it is unlikely that he he will play the third game, considering Ravichandran Ashwin’s performances.
Axar Patel unfit for the 3rd IND vs AUS ODI; Ravichandran Ashwin to make it into Rohit Sharma’s team for World Cup if left-hander doesn’t get fit
Axar Patel is also part of the squad for the third ODI. However, the reports have suggested that the all-rounder is yet to attain full fitness and won’t be part of the team. In his absence, Ravichandran Ashwin has performed reasonably well.
The BCCI source added that Axar Patel has progressed well but if he doesn’t get fit in time, Ravichandran Ashwin will walk into the team for the ICC World Cup 2023. He added:
“The team management wants to give Axar full chance of recovery. His forearm and finger bruises have healed but may be in another few days, he would get fit for World Cup. India’s first match is on September 8 and hence there is time. As far as Ashwin is concerned, we now know that he is match fit and in rhythm. If Axar can’t make it, Ashwin walks in.”
India have already sealed the series 2-0. The dead rubber third ODI between the teams will be played on Wednesday (27th September).
