3 Key Factors Behind Resting Shubman Gill for 3rd ODI against Australia

Team India’s opening batter, Shubman Gill, has been rested for the upcoming third and final ODI against Australia, and this decision has left cricket enthusiasts buzzing with curiosity. Gill, who has been in exceptional form, had already etched his name as one of the most promising talents in international cricket. In this blog post, we will delve into the three key factors behind India’s decision to rest Shubman Gill for the crucial third ODI.

First and foremost, Team India’s primary objective is to win the series, and they have nearly achieved this goal. The team has ticked many boxes, gaining momentum as they approach the ODI World Cup. With players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer getting much-needed game time, the Men in Blue can experiment and test themselves without the in-form Gill.

Gill’s presence at the top of the order has almost guaranteed India a seamless start, thanks to his incredible form. However, even the best players benefit from a brief respite. Resting Gill allows him to recharge and come into the mega tournament with the same form and a fresher mindset. This way, he can enter the World Cup after scoring a couple of big innings, which might not have been the case had he played the third ODI and potentially been dismissed cheaply.

Additionally, Gill has been playing cricket consistently throughout the year, with only a brief break after the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Resting him ensures that he remains physically and mentally fit for the more significant challenges ahead.

India understands the importance of having a reserve opener all too well. The team had to shuffle their batting lineup during the 2019 World Cup in England due to Shikhar Dhawan’s injury. In case of a similar scenario arising in the upcoming World Cup, Ishan Kishan is the player designated to handle the crisis.

Kishan, known for his aggressive batting, has previously opened in ODIs. In the absence of Gill, the third ODI provides an opportunity to give Kishan a chance as an opening batter, which is his secondary role in the squad. He has shown his capabilities in this role by scoring three consecutive fifties in the ODI series against West Indies while opening the innings. Additionally, Kishan opened in the 2023 Asia Cup final, chasing a modest 50-run target against Sri Lanka, showcasing his adaptability in different conditions.

Shubman Gill’s remarkable year has put him on the path to potentially becoming the No. 1 ranked ODI batter. Currently, Pakistan’s Babar Azam holds the top spot, but Gill has been rapidly climbing up the rankings. With the pressure of opening the innings for India already substantial, the added burden of chasing the No. 1 ranking can be mentally taxing.

By resting Gill for the third ODI, the discussions about rankings and record-chasing can temporarily subside, allowing him to focus on his game and long-term performance. This strategic move may prove beneficial for Gill and Team India as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the world of ODI cricket.