KL Rahul rested for 3rd Afghanistan ODI: Details here
What's the story
Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul will not play in the third ODI against Afghanistan at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The decision is part of a workload management strategy by the Indian cricket team and has nothing to do with any injury or fitness issues. Team India already leads the three-match series 2-0 after convincing wins in Dharamshala and Lucknow. Here are further details.
Strategy explained
Team management's approach for final ODI
With the series already in their pocket, the team management has decided to use the final ODI as an opportunity to test its bench strength. This includes giving chances to players who have been waiting on the sidelines. Notably, Afghanistan opted to bat after winning the toss in the final affair. On the eve of the game, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained this approach, saying they wanted to try different combinations and give everyone a fair share of games while managing key players' workloads ahead of a busy schedule.
Performance review
Rahul's mixed scores in first two games
Rahul had a mixed bag in the first two ODIs against Afghanistan. He played an important unbeaten knock of 39 runs off just 19 balls in the first match at Dharamshala, helping India chase down 195. However, he was dismissed for a golden duck in the second ODI despite India posting a massive total of 402 runs. Afghanistan left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote removed him off the first ball he faced.
Career stats
India's dependable wicketkeeper-batter
Rahul is one of India's most dependable ODI batters with 3,399 runs in 96 matches at an average of 50.73. For the final match against Afghanistan, India have recalled Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, and Prasidh Krishna to the XI. Alongside Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh have been rested. India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.