IND vs AUS: Revealed - Why Ishan Kishan isn't playing in 3rd ODI at Rajkot

Wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan was part of India's playing XI in first two ODIs in Mohali and Indore.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav are back in the Indian playing. Team India are playing with their almost full-strength XI against Australia at Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. Along with these changes in the playing XI, wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan will be missing the final ODI against Australia. Ravi Ashwin is also rested for the final ODI. Washington Sundar has been given an opportunity heading into the World Cup 2023. 

Rohit updates about Kishan

Ishan Kishan is out of the final ODI due to viral fever. Informing about all the changes in the Indian playing XI, captain Rohit Sharma said, “Myself, Virat, and Kuldeep are back. From the last game, Ashwin is also missing, Washington is in. Ishan Kishan is not well, he has a viral fever so he misses out.” Ishan was part of the Indian playing XI in the first two ODIs. Shubman Gill has been rested for the final game in Rajkot. 

Due to the absence of many players and Ishan Kishan being unwell, Saurashtra players will be serving the drinks for team India in the game. BCCI informed via a tweet, “Ishan Kishan was unavailable for selection for the 3rd ODI due to an illness. Additionally, four local state players - Dharmendra Jadeja, Prerak Mankad, Vishwaraj Jadeja, and Harvik Desai will support the team for drinks and fielding throughout the match.” 

India are looking to try out Washington Sundar along with Ravi Ashwin as probable replacement options for Axar Patel in the World Cup 2023. Axar Patel has not yet recovered from his injury and got ruled out of the final ODI as well. If Patel fails to make it into the World Cup 2023, one among Ashwin or Sundar will be drafted in as Axar’s replacement to add variety to the spin bowling department. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are the two other spin options in the World Cup squad. 

Australia have also made a bulk of changes in their playing XI. This is Australia’s last chance to decide on their final World Cup 2023 squad. Australia made 5 changes in their XI as Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell made their comeback after an injury break. Tanveer Sangha has been handed his maiden ODI cap for Australia. Australia will look to finish the series on a winning note as they had lost the first two games in Mohali and Indore.