Why KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav Are Not Playing Today’s IND vs AFG 3rd ODI?

KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: AFP]

India and Afghanistan are facing each other in the third and final ODI of the three-match series. The match is being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, June 20. However, what has come as a surprise to many fans is that KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for this clash.

So far, India have dominated the series under the leadership of Shubman Gill. The Men in Blue have already secured the series by winning the first two matches.

India Aim To Complete ODI Series Sweep At Chepauk

In the opening ODI in Dharamsala, the game was reduced to 25 overs because of rain. However, India comfortably chased down a target of 195 runs. After that, the hosts produced another impressive performance in Lucknow and took an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

Now, India will be looking to win the IND vs AFG 3rd ODI as well and complete a clean 3-0 series sweep.

On the other hand, Afghanistan have shown some promising performances during the series. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Nangeyal Kharote have impressed at times. 

However, inconsistent performances from the rest of the team have made it difficult for them to challenge India consistently.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of India vs England ODIs, 2027 ODI World Cup In Doubt

IND vs AFG 3rd ODI Toss Update

Meanwhile, Afghanistan won the toss in the IND vs AFG 3rd ODI and decided to bat first. Along with that, both teams have made some important changes to their playing XIs.

Afghanistan have made four changes to their lineup. Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Malik, and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi have come in for Sediqullah Atal, Nangeyalia Kharote, Bilal Sami, and Mohammad Saleem Safi.

Meanwhile, India have made three changes. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, and Prasidh Krishna have come into the side in place of KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh.

Why KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh Are Not Playing The IND vs AFG 3rd ODI?

It is important to note that a day before the third ODI, India’s coaching staff had already hinted at changes in the team. 

During a media interaction on June 19, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that fast bowler Arshdeep Singh could be rested for the final match. Furthermore, he also mentioned that one batter from the playing XI would be given a break.

Speaking to reporters, Ryan ten Doeschate said: “We will be making a few changes from last two games. Arshdeep Singh may take rest and may be one of the batters”.

As a result, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for the third ODI. Since the series has already been won by India, the decision appears to be a tactical one rather than being related to injury or fitness concerns.

Moreover, resting key players in a dead-rubber match allows the team management to manage workloads effectively. 

Therefore, KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from the playing XI is mainly part of India’s workload management strategy and team rotation plans.

IND vs AFG 3rd ODI: Playing XIs

India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav

Afghanistan Playing XI : Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

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