Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has criticized the Indian team management for resting KL Rahul in the third ODI match against Afghanistan. Ganesh questioned the need to rest the wicketkeeper batter when he had spent very little time at the crease in the first two matches of the ongoing series.
The third ODI is being held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India entered the match with an unassailable 2-0 lead after victories in Dharamshala and Lucknow. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Before the match, India captain Shubman Gill confirmed several changes to the playing XI.
KL Rahul Didn't Need This Rest - Dodda Ganesh
Dodda Ganesh questioned the team management's decision to rest KL Rahul. The former India pacer said the workload management call made little sense because Rahul had faced only 20 balls in the series and had not spent enough time at the crease to require a break.
"KL Rahul didn’t need this rest. He’s played only 20 balls in the series. Absolutely makes zero sense."
KL Rahul didn’t need this rest. He’s played only 20 balls in the series. Absolutely makes zero sense #INDvAFG
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) June 20, 2026
Rahul played a crucial unbeaten knock of 39 off 19 balls in the first ODI at Dharamshala, helping India chase down 195. However, he had a disappointing outing in the second ODI in Lucknow, falling for a golden duck to Nangeyalia Kharote off the first ball he faced, despite India posting 402 runs.
Three Changes - Shubman Gill on Team India Playing XI
Shubman Gill spoke about the conditions and India's approach for the third ODI. The Indian captain said that the pitch looked good for batting and admitted that his team would have preferred to bat first.
"Looks like a very good wicket. Would've batted first as well. Was pretty hot in the last match and it's going to be no different here. It's about being consistent in the areas we're looking at."
Gill added that chasing a big total would provide a valuable test for his side. He said India want to improve their ability to chase large scores comfortably and consistently.
"We'll be chasing in this match, and chasing big scores consistently and comfortably is one area where we haven't quite ticked the box yet. That's what we'll be looking at today. Three changes. Prasidh, Harsh and Nitish Reddy are back."
India Rest KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh for the final ODI
With the series already won, India used the third ODI to give opportunities to other players. The team management made three changes, bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, and Prasidh Krishna. KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh were rested.
Yashasvi Jaiswal kept his place at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma. India continued with the same opening pair while assessing different combinations ahead of a busy international schedule. Harshit Rana, despite being part of the ODI squad, did not make the playing XI.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first in Chennai. India entered the final ODI looking to complete a series sweep before their tour of England. The decision to rest Rahul, Kuldeep, and Arshdeep was purely for workload management and was not related to any injury concerns.
