Rohit Sharma’s Bold Opening Move with Washington Sundar Shakes Up India vs. Australia ODI

In a strategic twist that caught cricket enthusiasts off guard, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made a surprising decision to have Washington Sundar open the innings alongside him in the Third ODI against Australia. This marked Sundar’s debut as an opener for the Indian cricket team in the One-Day International (ODI) format. The move was born out of a tactical decision to rest regular opener Shubman Gill, with an eye on the impending World Cup clash against Australia.

Sundar the Opener

Washington Sundar, known for his versatility, had previously opened the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, this ODI encounter against Australia was his maiden outing as an opener for the Indian national team. The captain’s trust in Sundar to step up to the plate in this crucial role demonstrated the depth of India’s talent pool.

The decision to rest Shubman Gill was a calculated one, given India’s forthcoming encounter with Australia in the World Cup, just ten days away. Resting Gill for this match allowed Rohit Sharma to explore his options at the top of the order, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the marquee tournament.

Kohli’s Return to No. 3

While many anticipated that Virat Kohli might open alongside Rohit Sharma, the playing XI revealed a different story. The captain’s tactical move ensured that Virat Kohli retained his regular position at No. 3. This decision aligns with India’s World Cup strategy, emphasising stability and consistency in their batting lineup.

Earlier in the game, Australia won the toss and set an imposing target of 353 runs in 50 overs while batting first. Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer, top-scoring with a blistering 96 off 84 deliveries, featuring 13 boundaries and 3 sixes. Australia started on a strong note, accumulating 90 runs in the first 10 overs. However, the Indian bowlers rallied in the final 10 overs, limiting Australia’s total to 353 runs. Contributions from Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and David Warner added valuable runs to the Australian tally.

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