![Fans react to KL Rahul being dropped from IND vs AFG 3rd ODI [Source: AFP, X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781942486562_KLRahulIndia.jpg?type=hq)
Fans react to KL Rahul being dropped from IND vs AFG 3rd ODI [Source: AFP, X]
In a surprising development, India made a series of changes in the playing XI for the 3rd ODI against Afghanistan held at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. However, fans were particularly unhappy with the snub of KL Rahul.
With the series already sealed, Indian management had previously hinted that they would rest a few seniors to test the bench strength. Accordingly, for the third game, Rahul, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav were rested.
Harsh Dubey, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Reddy replaced the trio in the playing XI.
Fans slam Indian management for dropping KL Rahul
However, fans weren’t impressed with this decision, especially the snub of KL Rahul. They argued that Rahul is deliberately being made the scapegoat in the name of workload management.
A few fans also alleged favouritism and questioned his snub despite consistent performance. Accordingly, social media was quickly filled with rageful messages, with fans showing support to Rahul.
Interestingly, KL Rahul has been average in the ongoing ODI series vs Afghanistan. In the first game, he was dismissed on a golden duck, whereas in the second ODI, he scored an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls.
However, as captain Shubman Gill confirmed, Rahul has not been dropped but rested as he is still viewed as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI format ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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Afghanistan opt to bat first in 3rd ODI
Meanwhile, Afghanistan won the toss against India in the third ODI at Chennai and opted to bat first. India captain Shubman Gill later admitted that he would've chosen to bat first as well.
Gill believes the pitch is excellent for batting, as the surface looks flat. The skipper also added that the weather was pretty hot in the last match and it’s going to be no different in Chennai, meaning players will have a tough time in the middle.
Since India already won the series, the focus is not only on the result. Gill said the team wants to improve specific areas like better execution, consistency with the ball and handling match situations.
Afghanistan makes four changes
Apart from India, Afghanistan also made a series of changes in their playing XI for the third ODI vs India. Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia ur Rahman and Fareed Malik made a comeback.
But Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Saleem, Bilal Sami and Nangeyalia Kharoti were dropped after their poor performances in the first two games. Afghanistan will naturally play for their pride, as they have nothing to lose.
They are yet to register a single victory over India in international cricket across all formats, and if they lose this game, the wait will continue.
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