‘We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available’ – Rohit Sharma clarifies on uncertainty regarding playing XI for third ODI against Australia

The Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma revealed that he has a limited pool of 13 players to choose from for the final ODI match against Australia in Rajkot. Unfortunately, Shubman Gill couldn’t be considered for selection due to a viral illness that affected the squad. Additionally, fast bowlers Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, have decided to return home.

While the team management isn’t overly concerned since they have already clinched the three-match series against Australia, their primary focus is on ensuring that all players regain their match fitness ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma also mentioned that the prevalence of the viral illness within the team has further added to the uncertainty.

“We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available, a lot of players have personal problems so they have gone home and a few of the guys have been rested as well. We have got 13 players at this point in time. Obviously, Gill has been rested, and Shami, Hardik, and Shardul have all gone home…again, personal things. Axar, obviously, is not available for this game. There is a bit of viral going around in the team as well. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the team at this point in time which we cannot help,” said Rohit during the pre-match press meet.

India might need local players as fielders for the third ODI

The current India skipper Rohit Sharma also confirmed that the team might be seeking help for the local Saurashtra cricket players. The players who represent the Saurashtra tea in the Ranji matches or even in the domestic leagues might be seen as replacing the Indian fielders when needed.

It is also likely that one of the recent photos shared by Rohit on social media platforms saw him alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Cheteshwar Pujara. It is also to be noted that Pujara plays for Saurashtra in domestic cricket. So, if that turns out to be the case then we might see the veteran India Test batter donning a blue jersey in the third ODI.