IND vs AUS: Why is Washington Sundar opening with Rohit Sharma in third ODI vs Australia in Rajkot

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IND vs AUS: Washington Sundar came out to open with Rohit Sharma in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, September 27.

The 23-year-old all-rounder did not feature in the first two ODIs and replaced Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing eleven for the dead rubber game - India's last ahead of the World Cup 2023.

IND vs AUS: Why Washington Sundar opened in third ODI?

Ishan Kishan could have been an opening choice in the match but he missed out due to a viral fever. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who opened in the first two matches, was not named in the squad for the third ODI. He is set to leave for China to lead the Indian men's cricket team at the Asian Games 2023. Shubman Gill was also rested for the third ODI.

Keeping in view the upcoming World Cup 2023, India did not tinker with the batting position. The management persisted with the positions the batters would come to bat in the ICC marquee event.

India have been set a 353-run target by Australia who opted to bat first in the match. A win in the match will help India register a 3-0 win over Australia in the series. Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami have also been rested.