Five players not available for 3rd ODI, confirms skipper Rohit as India set to make wholesale changes | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday revealed that the squad for the third ODI against Australia is dealing with various challenges and five players will be unavailable for the dead rubber in Rajkot.
The Indian squad has been hit by viral sickness and some have made the decision to return home.
Leading the 3-match series 2-0, India have been left with just 13 players to select from for the final ODI.
While Shubman Gill has been rested, Axar Patel continues his recovery at the NCA for the left quadricep injury he sustained during the Asia Cup.
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who featured in the first two ODIs along with the other all-rounder Hardik Pandya have opted to return to their respective homes.
“We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available, a lot of players have personal problems so they have gone home and a few of the guys have been rested as well.
“We have got 13 players at this point in time,” said Rohit during the pre-match press meet.
“Obviously, Gill has been rested, Shami, Hardik and Shardul have all gone home…again, personal things. Axar, obviously, is not available for this game,” Rohit said.
Rohit said the viral sickness going around the group too has added to the uncertainty.
“There is a bit of viral going around in the team as well. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the team at this point in time which we cannot help,” he added.
Rohit, who enjoyed a short break as he missed the first two ODIs against Australia at Mohali and Indore, hoped that the trip back home will rejuvenate the players.
“Looking at the next few weeks it is quite important for us to look after the players and their well-being.
“So, it is okay for them to be at home at this point — the reason being we want everybody to be fresh during the World Cup and hopefully they can come back fresh,” he said.
The Indian squad has been hit by viral sickness and some have made the decision to return home.
Leading the 3-match series 2-0, India have been left with just 13 players to select from for the final ODI.
While Shubman Gill has been rested, Axar Patel continues his recovery at the NCA for the left quadricep injury he sustained during the Asia Cup.
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who featured in the first two ODIs along with the other all-rounder Hardik Pandya have opted to return to their respective homes.
“We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available, a lot of players have personal problems so they have gone home and a few of the guys have been rested as well.
“We have got 13 players at this point in time,” said Rohit during the pre-match press meet.
“Obviously, Gill has been rested, Shami, Hardik and Shardul have all gone home…again, personal things. Axar, obviously, is not available for this game,” Rohit said.
Rohit said the viral sickness going around the group too has added to the uncertainty.
“There is a bit of viral going around in the team as well. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the team at this point in time which we cannot help,” he added.
Rohit, who enjoyed a short break as he missed the first two ODIs against Australia at Mohali and Indore, hoped that the trip back home will rejuvenate the players.
“Looking at the next few weeks it is quite important for us to look after the players and their well-being.
“So, it is okay for them to be at home at this point — the reason being we want everybody to be fresh during the World Cup and hopefully they can come back fresh,” he said.
