Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill Among 5 India Players Likely To Miss IND vs AUS 3rd ODI - Reports

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that five Indian players have been rested for the third ODI against Australia. The reports suggested that Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Shami haven’t joined the team in Rajkot.

Axar Patel reportedly is still unfit to play. The all-rounder suffered a left quadriceps strain during the Asia Cup 2023. He wasn’t part of the squad for the first two games but was named in the team for the last game. The southpaw, however, hasn’t recovered and has been ruled out of the dead rubber game in Rajkot as he’s currently at NCA.

Hardik Pandya, who was rested for the first two games, reportedly will not play the last game as he has been rested for the final game as well. Apart from him Shubhman Gill, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur aren’t in Rajkot.

The trio played were part in the first two games and played a vital role in the team’s success. However, to manage the workload ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, it can be assumed that they have been rested. With 5 players being rested, India will have just 13 players in the squad for the last game.

It is also learned that India might utilize the services of local first-class players, who are part of the Saurashtra team, to chip in the field if needed.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli join India squad in Rajkot ahead of 3rd ODI Against Australia

Captain Rohit Sharma along with Virat Kohli has also joined the India squad for the third ODI against Australia. The duo were rested for the first two games and now are back for the final game. They are likely to walk into the XI for the final game.

With no Shubman Gill around, it is learned that Rohit Sharma will open with Ishan Kishan. Virat Kohli no doubt will bat at 3. It remains to be seen what combination will India field for the last game against Australia. India have already sealed the series under the leadership of KL Rahul. They won the first game by 5 wickets and then followed it up with 99 runs win.