In the exciting three-match ODI series being played between India and West Indies, the Indian team has already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning both the initial matches and clinched the series. Now the third and final match of this series between the two teams is to be played on October 3 at New Chandigarh ground. After capturing the series, now the biggest discussion in the cricket circles is whether the young opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal will get a chance to play in the third ODI in the playing XI or not. Meanwhile, former Indian Test vice-captain and experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane has given a statement regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal, which has sparked a new debate among sports lovers and cricket pundits.
Ajinkya Rahane believes that India must make one or two strategic changes in its team in this last match of the series. He suggested that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj should be brought back into the team. Apart from this, Rahane also wants to see young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy take the field in another match. He argues that if the team management is including Nitish Kumar Reddy in its long-term plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027, then it is extremely important to give him as many opportunities as possible.
When Rahane was questioned about Yashasvi Jaiswal, he said that even if Jaiswal is not included in the playing eleven in the third ODI, it will not make much difference to the health of the team. Explaining the reason behind this, he clarified that India's batting order is already very strong and well set. In such a situation, the team should focus its full attention on making the role of the all-rounder more clear and fixed instead of adding an additional batsman to the playing eleven.
It is noteworthy that Yashasvi Jaiswal did not get a chance to play in the playing eleven in the first two matches of the current ODI series being played against West Indies. However, his personal record in the ODI format has been excellent. In his short career so far, he has scored a total of 285 runs in 6 ODI matches, which also includes two brilliant centuries and his average has been 71.25. Despite this, considering the team composition, there are heated discussions regarding his selection.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is a player who along with his aggressive batting also has the ability to bowl useful fast bowling. Although he got a chance to play in the first ODI of the series, he did not get the opportunity to bat and also failed to make a big impact in bowling. In such a situation, if he is tried again in the third match, the team management will be able to understand his actual role in a better way.
On the other hand, experienced fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was rested in the first two matches of the series and did not get a chance to play. Since the Indian team has already won the series, it is quite possible that changes may be made in the last match to test some bench strength players.