India captain Rohit Sharma received a heartfelt embrace before his departure to Rajkot for the third and final ODI against Australia at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday, September 27.
This was after Rohit spent quality time with his family following the Asia Cup 2023 final. For the first two ODIs, he was rested along with Virat Kohli, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav.
In a video posted on social media, Rohit’s spouse, Ritika Sajdeh can be seen embracing him before he departed for Rajkot from the Mumbai airport.
You can watch the video here:
In 2023, Rohit has already achieved an impressive total of 577 runs from 14 innings, maintaining an average of 48.08. This tally includes one century and five half-centuries. His focus is now on making a significant contribution in the final ODI against Australia, gearing up for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
KL Rahul steps up for Team India in the absence of Rohit Sharma
Mohali ✅
Indore ✅#TeamIndia arrive ✈️ for the third and the final ODI in Rajkot 👌#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/pIrDvPFNyB— BCCI (@BCCI) September 25, 2023
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav, who had been seeking success in the 50-over format, managed to deliver with two consecutive half-centuries. He scored 50 and an unbeaten 72 in the first and second games, respectively. Shreyas Iyer found his form with a notable performance, scoring 105 off 90 balls with three sixes and 11 boundaries in the Indore ODI.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami had an excellent outing with a five-wicket haul in the first ODI. Among the spinners, both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja secured three wickets each in the second match. Rohit Sharma and his team are now aiming for a 3-0 whitewash by winning the Rajkot ODI.
India’s squad for the 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
Additionally, Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur are reportedly rested for this match.
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