Gill, Thakur and Axar Not in Rajkot For 3rd ODI vs Australia

Rajkot: Axar Patel, Shubman Gill, and Shardul Thakur have reportedly not travelled to Rajkot with the Indian team for the third ODI against Australia. Axar Patel, recovering from a left quadriceps strain, is making good progress at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is expected to regain fitness in time for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were rested for the first two games, have returned to the mix. However, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya are not with the squad due to personal reasons. India is left with only 13 players, and local first-class players from the Saurashtra team might be called upon if needed during the match.

Rohit Sharma explained, “Gill is rested, Shami and Shardul have gone home, and Hardik has also been given time off due to personal reasons. We have limited options with just 13 players, and there’s some uncertainty due to a viral infection. Our priority is to ensure the players are fresh for the upcoming World Cup.”

While Mukesh Kumar and Washington Sundar are part of the Asian Games squad, their departure for China is scheduled for September 27, the same day as the third ODI. However, India’s first game in Hangzhou is not until October 3.

Regarding R Ashwin’s performance, Rohit Sharma commented, “The games against Australia provide an opportunity to assess his form.” Ashwin has put in decent performances in the series so far.

In the first two ODIs, India clinched victory, with the first win propelling them to the top spot in the ICC’s ODI team rankings. The second match showcased India’s dominance in home conditions, with a commanding score of 399 for 5 and a strong bowling performance that limited Australia to 217.