IND vs SA: Why is CSK star Ruturaj Gaikwad not playing in third ODI vs South Africa

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IND vs SA: Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was not named in the India playing eleven for the series-deciding third ODI against South Africa at the Boland Park in Park on Thursday, December 19.

Gaikwad, who scored 5 and 4 runs in the first and second ODIs respectively, wasn’t available for selection due to a finger injury. India captain KL Rahul confirmed the same at the toss. Rajat Patidar was given his debut ODI cap for India following the injury.

A picture of Gaikwad's taped finger had gone viral ahead of the match. The picture revealed that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star has incurred the injury on his right-hand finger.

The 26-year-old batsman from Maharashtra has also been named in the India Test squad. There is no clarity on the nature of the injury but he is expected to be fit and available for selection for the Boxing Day Test match starting December 26 in Centurion.

"Two changes - Rajat Patidar makes his ODI debut, Rutu misses out after doing some damage to his finger. Also, Kuldeep gets a rest and Washington Sundar comes in," KL Rahul said after India were asked to bat first in the third ODI.

Rajat Patidar, who plays for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, is opening in the match alongside Sai Sudharshan.

The two-match series is tied at 1-1, and the winner of the third ODI will win the series 2-1. The preceding 3-match T20I series ended in a 1-1.

India Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs South Africa: Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul(w/c), Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar