Shubman Gill And Shardul Thakur Rested For Third ODI Against Australia In Rajkot

Summary: Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur have opted not to travel to Rajkot, the location of the third game. Instead, they will reunite with the team in Guwahati, where India’s ODI World Cup is set to commence.

Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur are being rested for the final ODI against Australia in Rajkot as per the team management's decision. Instead of traveling to Rajkot for the third game, they will rejoin the squad in Guwahati, where India's journey in the ODI World Cup is set to commence.

Gill's remarkable performance in the second ODI in Indore, where he scored a century against Australia, marked his sixth century in total and his fifth this year. Among his century records for the year are two against New Zealand, and one each against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Additionally, he achieved a T20I century this year. Notably, Shubman Gill holds the top position as the leading run-scorer in ODIs for 2023, accumulating 1230 runs in 20 innings at an impressive average of 72.35, with a strike rate of 105.03.

In the opening ODI against Australia, Shubman Gill had the unique opportunity to represent India at his hometown venue in Mohali. Reflecting on this memorable occasion, Gill shared, "I was just 7 years old when I first set foot in Mohali. Having witnessed numerous matches here as a spectator, it was always a dream of mine to play an international match in Mohali. While I had previously played a couple of IPL matches here, the experience of playing an international match in front of my family was truly special," Gill had expressed.

The team management has been diligently strategizing workload management for a considerable period. This was the primary rationale behind the rest given to Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the initial two ODIs. Both of these senior players are scheduled to rejoin the squad in Rajkot.

Jasprit Bumrah was granted a rest during the second ODI, as confirmed by the BCCI through their tweet. The announcement stated, "In order to spend time with his family and receive a brief respite, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been excused by the team management. Mukesh Kumar, a fast bowler, has been included in the squad as Bumrah's replacement for the 2nd ODI. Bumrah is scheduled to rejoin the team for the concluding ODI in Rajkot."

The approaching World Cup presents a lengthy journey for the Indian team, involving matches in nine distinct cities. In preparation for the significant ICC tournament, the team management has been exploring strategies to ensure their players remain in prime condition and well-rested.