Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is not playing in the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20. The decision is purely part of the Indian cricket team's workload management plan, and the wicketkeeper batter is fully fit and has not suffered any injury.
India already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after convincing wins in Dharamshala and Lucknow. With the series already secured, the team management has used the third and final ODI match to test its bench strength and give opportunities to players waiting on the sidelines.
Why KL Rahul Is Not Playing Today's IND vs AFG 3rd ODI
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained the team's thinking behind making several changes to the playing XI. He said that the coaching staff wanted to test different combinations and give more players an opportunity, while also managing the workload of key players ahead of a busy schedule.
"We will be making a few changes from the first two games. Part of the brief coming into the series was that we wanted to try a few different combinations and give everyone a fair share of games. Someone like Arshdeep has bowled very well in the first two games; he can probably take a rest tomorrow, and the same goes for one of the batters. We'll swap them out and go back to playing a slightly different side."
Times of India sports journalist Pratyush Raj stated that KL Rahul would be rested for the third ODI. However, India would stick to opening the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul to be rested today https://t.co/F25rBJ04p7
— Pratyush Raj (@pratyush93_raj) June 20, 2026
How KL Rahul Performed in the First Two ODIs Against Afghanistan
KL Rahul had mixed results in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan. In the opening match at Dharamshala, he played a crucial unbeaten knock of 39 runs off just 19 balls. In the rain-shortened contest, Rahul struck four fours and three sixes. He also hit the winning boundary as India chased down 195.
However, in the second ODI in Lucknow, the wicketkeeper-batter had a disappointing outing. Despite India posting a massive total of 402 runs, Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck. Afghanistan left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote removed him off the first ball he faced.
Rahul remains one of India's most reliable ODI batters. In 96 matches, he has scored 3,399 runs at an outstanding average of 50.73, including eight centuries and 20 half-centuries. He has also struck 263 fours and 79 sixes during his ODI career.
India Likely to Make Several Changes for Third ODI Against Afghanistan
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy would return to the playing XI. The young all-rounder is expected to return to the side after the missing second ODI due to injury.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is also likely to return to the side and open the innings alongside captain Rohit Sharma. The team management wants to give the left-hander valuable game time and help him regain form after a string of low scores.
In the bowling department, Harshit Rana is expected to replace Arshdeep Singh, who could be rested. Meanwhile, Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are likely to keep their spots after impressive performances in Lucknow.
Team India's probable playing XI for 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav/Harsh Dubey, Prince Yadav.
