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Following a remarkable victory by a margin of 99 runs against Australia in the second ODI this past Sunday, the Indian cricket team has now firmly secured an impenetrable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series.
The astonishing performance displayed by the hosts in every facet of the game is particularly noteworthy, especially considering the absence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav. This performance serves as a testament to the remarkable talent and depth that Team India possesses.
It’s worth acknowledging that all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who returned to the ODI format after an extended absence, has been in outstanding form in the two games. He has made a strong case for inclusion in India’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023, particularly if there is any concern regarding Axar Patel’s availability. The right-hander’s performance has been remarkable, as he has secured four wickets across the two games.
Also READ: Shreyas Iyer opens up on stealing Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot in ODI World Cup 2023 after sensational ton against Australia
With testing the bench strength yielding positive results for Indian side in the initial two ODIs against the Aussies, the team management now encounters the dilemma of deciding which players to exclude from the playing XI. This challenge arises because several key players who rested during the first two encounters are now eligible for selection in the upcoming matches.
KL Rahul, who led the Men in Blue in the first two ODIs, has opened up on the choices and calls taken for the team selection.
“It’s not really our decision to make”: KL Rahul
Rahul thinks that the task of players’ selection is best left to the discretion and decision-making of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, as they bear the primary responsibility for this aspect of the team’s management.
“As players, it’s not really our decision to make. It is the headache of the coach and Rohit when he comes back. Our jobs, roles are very clear. Everyone who gets picked in the XI, has a job to do. Sitting out can be hard after scoring a lot of runs but everyone has been through that and I think it always be that way,” Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
