The Men In Blue would be without up to five players for the third and final One Day International (ODI) against Australia, according to India's all-format skipper Rohit Sharma. India, a two-time world champion, will play Australia in the third One-Day International on Wednesday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The forthcoming match will be India's last ODI match before to the ICC World Cup in 2023.
Captain Rohit and former captain Virat Kohli were rested for India's opening two ODIs against Australia after helping India win a record-extending seventh Asia Cup title in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the team led by Rahul Dravid decided to rest vice-captain Hardik Pandya and potent spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the first two games. The second ODI was played without pacer Bumrah, who just rejoined the Indian team.
Before the third and final ODI, skipper Rohit disclosed to reporters that the Indian team has been affected by a viral illness. Additionally, the 36-year-old stated that some players are not eligible for selection since they choose to travel back home before the ICC World Cup. On October 8 in Chennai, Rohit's Team India will open their World Cup campaign against the five-time winners Australia.
Many of our players are out due to illness or personal issues, so they have returned home. A handful of the lads have also been given a break. Currently, we have 13 players," Rohit remarked during the press conference. Naturally, Gill has had time to relax, while Shami, Hardik, and Shardul have all returned home for personal reasons. Naturally, Axar is unavailable for this game, according to Rohit.
Pandya, Rohit's replacement, sat out the whole series against Australia. In the first two matches of the ODI series, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur, a fast bowling combination, were used. Before the third ODI, Pandya, Shami, and Shardul have all opted to return to their respective homes. In contrast to all-rounder Axar Patel, who is resting at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering a left quadricep injury, opener Gill has been allowed a respite after India jumped out to an unstoppable 2-0 lead.
The team is seeing some viral activity as well. As a result, the team is currently filled with a great deal of uncertainty, which we are powerless to change. In light of the next weeks, it is crucial that we take care of the players' health. Therefore, it is OK for them to be at home at this time. The Indian captain continued, "We want everyone to be fresh throughout the World Cup and maybe they can come back fresh.
India World Cup Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav
Also Read: 'Do not Matter If I Score Zero Century in The World Cup': Rohit Sharma
"Where Sports Never Sleep"
Give Your Feedback