For the India vs. Australia 3rd ODI, are Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur being rested? The Indian cricket team has been displaying exceptional form as they gear up for the ICC World Cup 2023. In both the batting and bowling departments, the team has exhibited great prowess. Despite the absence of big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI, India managed to defeat Australia convincingly by a margin of 99 runs in a rain-disrupted match.
Shubman Gill’s Scores 100 in India vs. Australia 2nd ODI
Shubman Gill, a rising star in Indian cricket, has been instrumental in India’s recent successes. In the second ODI against Australia, Gill played a pivotal role, forming a remarkable 200-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. This partnership propelled India to an imposing total. Gill’s consistent and outstanding performances have earned him a well-deserved rest ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. Along with Gill, Shardul Thakur will also be rested for the upcoming India vs. Australia 3rd ODI, according to reports by The Indian Express.
Resting Key Players Ahead of ICC World Cup 2023
The decision to rest key players like Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur aligns with the team management’s strategy of providing some respite to players before the ICC World Cup 2023. In the first two ODIs, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav were given a break. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), emphasized the importance of mental rejuvenation, particularly in the lead-up to a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup.
Agarkar stated, “Luckily we got a fair amount of cricket at the Asia Cup. If not, we would’ve looked at it some other way. More than physical, sometimes guys need a mental break, which isn’t a bad thing leading into a tournament like the World Cup.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Axar Patel’s Fitness
While India’s preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023 seem to be on track, there is some uncertainty surrounding Axar Patel’s fitness. Patel sustained an injury during the Asia Cup 2023, and the team had initially planned to include him in the Australia series based on his recovery. However, it has now been confirmed that Patel will not be participating in the India vs. Australia 3rd ODI in Rajkot.
Axar Patel’s absence in the Australia series raises concerns about his availability for the ICC World Cup 2023, where he is part of the squad. If Patel is ruled out of the tournament, India might turn to Ravichandran Ashwin, whose impressive performance in the recent match has boosted the team’s confidence. Ashwin’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, batting at number 8, aligns with the team’s requirements.
As India continues to fine-tune its strategy and player selection ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, the team’s recent successes and challenges with player fitness and availability add an element of anticipation to the tournament.
India’s cricket team is making significant strides in ODI cricket, showcasing depth and talent beyond their star players. The decision to rest key players and prioritize mental well-being ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 reflects the team’s commitment to peak performance in the upcoming tournament. However, the uncertainty surrounding Axar Patel’s fitness serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that can influence the team’s composition. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the World Cup, India’s journey continues to be an exciting and evolving narrative.