Key facts
- India lead Afghanistan ODI series 2-0
- Third ODI to be played at Chepauk, Chennai
- At least one senior Indian player likely rested
- Changes create opportunities for fringe squad members
The Times of India reports that India are set to make sweeping changes to their playing XI for the third ODI against Afghanistan at Chepauk in Chennai, with at least one senior player likely to be rested. The series is already sealed 2-0 in India's favour, giving the team management the freedom to rotate and hand opportunities to players on the fringes of the squad.
The Hindu and The New Indian Express had both flagged India's dominant form heading into this dead rubber, with the hosts having comfortably won the first two matches. The Chennai venue, known for its turning pitches, is expected to offer a stiff test for Afghanistan's batting order.
For India, the third ODI is an opportunity to fine-tune their squad depth ahead of upcoming assignments. Resting key seniors while blooding in reserve players is a common strategy in dead rubbers, and the team management is expected to use this game to assess options across batting and bowling departments. For fans, the match is a chance to watch potential future regulars earn their stripes on the international stage.