IND vs AUS 3rd ODI at Rajkot: Why is Shubman Gill not playing?

Shubman Gill will not be a part of the final, IND vs AUS 3rd ODI at Rajkot of ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia. Cricket enthusiasts were left wondering about the absence of the young and promising talent. The Indian team aims for a whitewash against the Aussies before heading into the ODI World Cup on 27 September in Rajkot.

IND vs AUS 3rd ODI at Rajkot: Why is Shubman Gill not playing?

The decision to rest Shubman Gill for the third ODI stems from a strategic approach by the team management towards managing player workload ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. Gill, who delivered an outstanding performance in the second ODI, scoring his record sixth ODI century, has been given a break along with Shardul Thakur. This break is seen as a crucial aspect of workload management, ensuring players are fit and rejuvenated for upcoming challenges, especially considering the looming ODI World Cup.

Workload management has been a priority for the Indian team management, as seen earlier when Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav were rested for the initial two games against Australia. Such breaks are not only physical but also essential for mental recovery, ensuring players are mentally fresh and prepared for the demanding fixtures ahead.

Shubman Gill’s stellar performances have marked him as a crucial asset for the Indian team, and this break is likely to help him maintain peak form for upcoming challenges, including the ODI World Cup.

The focus on player well-being and optimum performance is essential, especially with the upcoming ODI World Cup on the horizon. The Indian team is gearing up to give their best in this tournament, and decisions like resting Gill reflect their commitment to ensuring every player is in the best shape both physically and mentally.