In the ongoing third and final ODI between India and Australia in Rajkot, fans of Indian cricket witnessed a notable change at the top of the batting order. India’s regular opener, Shubman Gill, was rested for the game, leading to the introduction of a new opening partner for Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma had not featured in the first two ODIs of the series, as he, along with key players like Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, had been rested. During his absence, it was Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad who had taken up the responsibility of opening the innings for India in the first two matches.
However, the series of changes did not stop with Rohit Sharma’s return. Ruturaj Gaikwad was released from the squad to represent the Indian team in the Asian Games, where he would lead the side. Another opening option, Ishan Kishan, was also ruled out of the game due to a viral fever, further complicating the opening conundrum.
With the regular opening pair of Gill and Gaikwad unavailable, it became clear that Rohit Sharma would have a new partner at the top of the order in the third ODI against Australia. And, according to India’s team sheet for the game, it was Virat Kohli who was likely to take up the role of Rohit Sharma’s opening partner.
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While Virat Kohli is known for his prowess in the number three position in ODIs, he is no stranger to opening the innings in the format. He has previously opened the innings on seven occasions in ODIs, amassing 166 runs at an average of 24. Now, with the opportunity to open once again, the former India captain aimed to improve his statistics as an opener in the ongoing game.
In the context of the match, India was looking to extend its winning streak in the series. Having already clinched the first two ODIs, the Indian team was on the verge of achieving a historic whitewash against Australia in ODI cricket.
As the action unfolded in Rajkot, cricket enthusiasts eagerly watched to see how the newly-formed opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would fare against the Australian bowling attack.