By Aayush Pathak September 27, 2023
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot is set to witness an exciting clash as Team India squares off against Australia in the final ODI of the three-match series on September 27th. While India has already clinched the series with commanding performances in the first two ODIs, they are eager to achieve a clean sweep at home.
In this crucial encounter, India will see the return of two of their most prominent figures in limited-overs cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit, the regular skipper, missed the initial two matches but is back to lead the team in the final showdown. Likewise, Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, is ready to make his presence felt with the bat and his leadership on the field.
However, India’s lineup will be missing a few notable names in this match. Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Shami have all been rested for this final ODI in anticipation of the upcoming ODI World Cup. These players’ absence offers an opportunity for others to shine and stake their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
In an interesting development, Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s Test mainstay, joined Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah on the flight to Rajkot. Pujara was en route to his hometown after completing his stint in the County Championship Division Two. His presence adds depth and experience to the squad.
Pujara recently made headlines when his county team, Sussex, was docked 12 points due to repeated breaches of discipline. This led to a one-match suspension for the cricketer. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Pujara took to social media to express his sentiments, saying, “Gutted to leave this way but looking back at the county season with cherished moments and unforgettable memories. Proud of the grit and character shown by this group.”
With the series already secured, Team India’s focus in the final ODI is to achieve a whitewash against the Australian side. This would be a testament to their dominance and preparation ahead of the forthcoming ODI World Cup.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await this thrilling encounter, the return of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara adds intrigue and excitement to the final ODI, promising a spectacle that fans won’t want to miss.
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