In a tactical move, the Indian team management has decided to rest rising opener Shubman Gill for the third and final ODI against Australia in Rajkot today. Despite being in scintillating form, Gill will make way for the experienced opening pair of skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli.
With the ODI series already in the bag, India has taken the opportunity to manage the workload of Gill and other key players ahead of the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India starting next month. The team will also test different combinations to find the right balance before their World Cup campaign.
Why is Shubman Gill Not Playing Today’s Ind Vs Aus 3rd ODI in Rajkot?
The 24-year-old Gill has been India’s batting sensation recently, consistently delivering impactful performances. He was the leading run-scorer for India in their Asia Cup campaign, amassing 302 runs at a stellar average of 75.50.
Gill carried his form into the ODI series against Australia, smashing a fluent 50 in the first match followed by a sublime 104 off just 97 balls in the second. His ability to score big at a brisk pace has solved India’s opening conundrum in ODIs.
However, with the series already sealed, the think-tank has decided to rest Gill and manage his workload optimally. Having played continuously since the Asia Cup, this break will allow the youngster to recharge his batteries before the all-important World Cup.
India Playing XI for 3rd ODI
In Gill’s absence, India have drafted in the experienced Rohit-Kohli pair to open the innings. The duo have enjoyed tremendous success for India in the past and their understanding and chemistry will come in handy.
India’s batting order for the dead rubber is:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
Ishan Kishan was also ruled out due to illness, paving the way for KL Rahul to don the gloves. The bowling unit will be led by pace ace Jasprit Bumrah.
Who Has Replaced Gill in India’s Playing XI?
With both Gill and Kishan out, India have gone for experience over youth in their opening pair. Skipper Rohit Sharma was an obvious choice at the top while the team management has recalled Virat Kohli as his opening partner.
Kohli has played sporadically as an opener in his career but his pedigree and prowess against the new ball remain unquestioned. The 44 ODI tons he has scored while batting at No.3 will hold him in good stead.
Rohit was effusive in his praise for Gill, reiterating that the talented right-hander remains firmly in India’s World Cup plans. But for now, the management feels the time is right to bring back the successful Rohit-Kohli pair and give them valuable game time.
It is a smart ploy to optimize India’s preparation by resting Gill, bringing back Kohli, and testing others like Rahul, while also sealing the series. With a rampaging Gill waiting in the wings, India’s batting future continues to appear bright.