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Ravindra Jadeja was left out of India's playing XI for the third ODI against West Indies in New Chandigarh, with Anshul Kamboj making his international debut. The decision came despite Jadeja taking two wickets in the second ODI in Guwahati.
With Axar Patel and Washington Sundar unavailable due to the Asian Games, Jadeja was expected to continue in the XI. However, India captain Shubman Gill said Jadeja was rested rather than dropped, while also making it clear that the team will assess every position with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
Ravindra Jadeja was not dropped - Shubman Gill
Ravindra Jadeja's ODI future has become a talking point as India looks to settle its combination for the World Cup. His recent numbers have not been as convincing as in previous years, although he contributed with two wickets in Guwahati.
Shubman Gill, however, rejected the suggestion that Jadeja's absence from the third ODI was a selection verdict. He explained that India wanted to use the three-match series to give other players an opportunity and build greater depth in the squad.
"Firstly, I don’t think Jaddu bhai was dropped. We decided to rest him because we had the opportunity today to give other players some game time. When a series is only three matches long, it becomes very difficult to give the players sitting on the bench the experience they need,” Shubman Gill said in the post-match presentation.
At the same time, Gill indicated that the selectors will assess the squad based on the conditions expected at the World Cup and the skill sets required. That leaves Jadeja's place open to further discussion before India's combination is finalized.
“Going forward, I think we’ll have discussions with the selectors about which player, keeping the World Cup in mind, can contribute more to the team in those conditions based on their skill set. We’ll then decide who we want to have in the squad,” he added.
Shubman Gill opens up on handing Anshul Kamboj ODI debut
Kamboj received his maiden ODI cap after replacing the rested Jadeja in the XI. Shubman Gill highlighted the all-rounder's batting ability as an important reason for giving him an opportunity, particularly with India planning for different scenarios ahead of the World Cup.
"Anshul can bat at no.8 which is very crucial for the wc, because we don't know who will be available who will not be," Shubman Gill said.
Gill was also disappointed with India's fielding effort during the match. India dropped several catches as West Indies chased down 352 with 10 balls to spare, making fielding an important area of focus for the team.
"We dropped a lot of catches and we have to do better keeping the wc in mind, bowlers are not getting much help so fielding has to be good," Gill added.
Shubman Gill speaks on frequent injuries in Indian camp
India have also struggled to field their preferred bowling combination because of injuries.
Shubman Gill admitted that the situation has been frustrating, but stressed that players coming into the team must use their opportunities to prepare for bigger assignments.
"It's unfortunate with the injuries, we are not able to play our best bowling line up, but that's not something in our hands, players who are getting the chances they need to get ready too."
The India captain also explained why bowling during the powerplay has been challenging, particularly with fielding restrictions limiting the number of players outside the circle. He said:
"Bowling in the powerplay is a bit tough with just 4 people inside, that's why the series has been high scoring because bowling was not getting much help."
Also Read: How MS Dhoni denied Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli-starrer India a 3-0 sweep over West Indies
