Published - | Updated - September 27, 2023 01:55 pm
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India’s showdown with Australia in the 3rd ODI of 2023 is brewing up excitement in Rajkot this Wednesday, September 27, at 1.30 pm IST. The anticipation is palpable as India, having already clinched the ODI series with two resounding victories, eyes a clean sweep against the Aussies.
As the third ODI looms large, the Indian squad will welcome back their heavy-hitters. The dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will don the Indian colors again, rejoining forces with the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, five Indian stalwarts, namely Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Axar Patel, won’t be making the journey to Rajkot this time.
The roster for India in the third ODI will notably exclude seven players: Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Axar Patel. Gill and Thakur have been wisely rested, while Axar continues to rehabilitate from his quadricep injury at the NCA. The rest of the squad members who played in the initial two games will once again take center stage.
In adherence to the rotational policy, Mohammed Shami will gracefully step aside to make room for Mohammed Siraj, and the fans can expect the return of the pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, who was absent in the second ODI due to personal reasons. Axar’s prolonged absence paves the way for the seasoned R Ashwin to likely get another opportunity to bowl alongside the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia, on the other hand, finds itself in a rut, having lost five consecutive ODIs. After a disheartening defeat against South Africa in three successive games, they now face a two-game setback against India, leading up to their World Cup opener against India in Chennai on October 6. It’s a chance for India, with their senior players back in the mix, to seek redemption from their earlier series loss to Australia this year.
In this piece, we delve into India’s playing XI for the ultimate ODI showdown. With seven key players absent, it’s the perfect opportunity for a fresh set of faces to make their mark.
India Playing 11 vs Australia – 3rd ODI, 2023
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Rohit Sharma, the captain, is set to return with a bang. Rested alongside Virat Kohli after his triumphant leadership in the Asia Cup, he now looks to add more firepower to the opening slot. Having recently crossed the monumental 10,000-run mark in ODIs, expect fireworks from him as he takes the helm at the batting crease once more.