India Playing 11 in Third ODI

India Playing 11 in Third ODI: A Strategic Shift to Test Bench Strength Ahead of Champions Trophy

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India Playing 11 in Third ODI: With India securing the ODI series against England after back-to-back wins in Nagpur and Cuttack, the focus now shifts to the third and final match in Ahmedabad. The dead rubber offers a golden opportunity for the Men in Blue to experiment with their line-up and assess bench strength before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19. Reports suggest that four key players might be rested, making way for fresh faces to prove their mettle. Let’s break down the potential changes and their implications.

The Rationale Behind the Changes

Having already clinched the series, India’s team management is prioritizing squad depth over continuity. The Champions Trophy, a global event in Dubai and Pakistan, demands flexibility, especially with injury concerns surrounding key players like Jasprit Bumrah. By testing untested combinations, India aims to finalize a balanced squad capable of adapting to diverse conditions.

Expected Changes in the Playing XI

  1. Shubman Gill ➔ Yashasvi Jaiswal
    Gill, India’s vice-captain, has been in stellar form, scoring 121 runs across two matches, including a composed 60 in Cuttack . However, with the series secured, Jaiswal—who made his ODI debut earlier in the series, is likely to replace him. The left-handed opener’s aggressive style could add dynamism at the top, and this match offers him critical game time to settle into the 50-over format.
  2. KL Rahul ➔ Rishabh Pant
    Rahul’s underwhelming returns with the bat (averaging 25 in the series) and occasional wicketkeeping lapses have opened the door for Pant’s inclusion. Pant, returning to ODIs after a long hiatus, needs match practice to regain rhythm ahead of the Champions Trophy, where he is already part of the 15-man squad.
  3. Axar Patel ➔ Washington Sundar
    Axar’s all-round contributions (economical bowling and lower-order stability) have been valuable, but Sundar’s off-spin and batting prowess make him a compelling alternative. With Dubai’s spin-friendly pitches in mind, testing Sundar’s form could provide India with tactical flexibility.
  4. Mohammed Shami ➔ Arshdeep Singh
    Shami, India’s pace spearhead, is likely to be rested to manage workload ahead of the Champions Trophy. Arshdeep, a left-arm seamer, could replace him, offering variety to the attack. Notably, Arshdeep was preferred over Mohammed Siraj in the Champions Trophy squad, highlighting the selectors’ faith in his death-bowling skills (India Playing 11 in Third ODI).

The Likely Playing XI for Ahmedabad

  • Rohit Sharma (C): Leading from the front with a century in Cuttack, his aggressive intent sets the tone.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: A chance to cement his place as backup opener.
  • Virat Kohli: The anchor, crucial for stabilizing the middle order.
  • Shreyas Iyer: Consistent in ODIs, his role remains pivotal.
  • Rishabh Pant (WK): A wildcard entry to test match readiness.
  • Hardik Pandya: The pace-allrounder’s fitness is key for ICC events.
  • Ravindra Jadeja: Spin-bowling allrounder and fielding asset.
  • Washington Sundar: A trial for his dual skills in subcontinental conditions.
  • Varun Chakravarthy: A surprise inclusion? The mystery spinner, though not part of the original ODI squad, has been floated as a backup for Bumrah in the Champions Trophy.
  • Harshit Rana: Retained for his raw pace and ability to exploit Ahmedabad’s bounce.
  • Arshdeep Singh: Left-arm angle adds variety to the pace attack.

Expert Opinions and Debates

Former players like Sanjay Bangar and Suresh Raina have urged caution, advocating for continuity to maintain momentum. However, with the Champions Trophy looming, experimentation seems inevitable. Shubman Gill himself emphasized the importance of a stable core, citing Karun Nair’s exclusion despite a record-breaking domestic season as an example of prioritizing squad cohesion.

The Bigger Picture

This match is more than a formality, it’s a litmus test for India’s bench strength. Players like Pant, Sundar, and Arshdeep must seize this opportunity to stake their claim for the Champions Trophy. For England, the match offers redemption, but for India, it’s a strategic step toward global glory (India Playing 11 in Third ODI).

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