The third ODI between India and Australia is set to take place in Rajkot, where the pitch is seemingly highly favorable for batsmen. The Indian team management is leaning towards trying out a new combination of fast bowlers, including Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami, in this match, with an eye on using them as the main pace options in upcoming matches. For the final game, Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja are anticipated to be the spinners.
In a significant development ahead of the third and last ODI match between India and Australia, there’s been a major change in the Indian playing XI. Axar Patel, the talented all-rounder, won’t be featuring in the upcoming match, making way for Ravichandran Ashwin to continue his impressive performance in the series. Kuldeep Yadav has also returned to India’s squad for 3rd ODI against Australia.
Axar Patel, known for his abilities with both batting and bowling, has been dealing with an injury that has sidelined him for an extended period. This injury saga began during the 2023 Asia Cup when he sustained a left quadriceps strain while batting in a crucial game against Bangladesh. Consequently, Axar missed the first two ODIs against Australia and was tentatively included for the third ODI in Rajkot.
However, the latest reports indicate that Axar Patel’s injury hasn’t sufficiently recovered to permit his participation in the final ODI. This decision seems to be a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring his fitness for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is set to be hosted in India.
ndia’s Squad for 3rd ODI against Australia: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, (Vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj.
If Rohit Sharma’s leadership leads India to triumph in the 3rd ODI, it would mean that India has gained a substantial advantage over the five-time world champion Australia just before the two teams face off again in Chennai for their World Cup opener on October 8th.