Revealed: Why Ruturaj Gaikwad isn't included in India playing XI for 3rd ODI against South Africa

Ruturaj Gaikwad will not feature in the third ODI between India and South Africa in Paarl.

Cricket fans brace themselves for the series decider at Boland Park in Paarl, where India and South Africa face in the third ODI. The stakes are high, with the series tied at 1-1, featuring a commanding win by India in the opener and a spirited comeback by South Africa in the second.

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad finds himself absent from India’s playing XI, raising questions about the team’s strategy for this crucial encounter.

Ruturaj Gaikwad misses out

This pivotal match took an unexpected turn as KL Rahul, skipper of Indian side, shared insights into Gaikwad’s absence. At the toss Rahul informed, the young batsman suffered a finger injury, compelling the team management to make a decision. While Gaikwad’s absence is undoubtedly a setback, it opens the door for debutant Rajat Patidar to make his mark in international cricket.

Adding another layer to India’s strategy, the decision to rest Kuldeep Yadav and bring in Washington Sundar showcases the team’s tactical acumen.

“Two changes, Rajat Patidar makes his ODI debut, Rutu misses out after doing some damage to his finger. Also, Kuldeep gets a rest and Washington Sundar comes in,” said Rahul

The spotlight, however, remains firmly on Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been a revelation with the bat in recent outings. The young maestro’s absence due to a finger injury leaves a void in Indian line-up.

BCCI also informed about Gaikwad’s absence and tweeted about the supervision provided by the medical team, “Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn’t fully recovered from the blow he sustained to his ring finger while fielding in the second ODI. He remains under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team.”

In a significant turn of events, Rajat Patidar steps into Gaikwad’s shoes, making his ODI debut. Patidar, known for his elegant stroke play and resilience, brings a fresh dimension to the middle-order. The challenge for him will be to seamlessly fit into the line-up and contribute substantially, replicating Gaikwad’s recent form.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first in the game.

India playing XI- Sanju Samson, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul(w/c), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

South Africa playing XI- Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Beuran Hendricks

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