ESPNcricinfo understands that with just 13 players around – Mukesh Kumar was called up ahead of the second ODI which Jasprit Bumrah missed – India might be forced to use local first-class players, who are part of the Saurashtra team, to chip in in the field if needed.
“Gill rested. Shami, Shardul have gone home. Hardik has been home. Again, personal things,” Rohit said on the eve of the match. “Axar obviously is not available for this game. We’ve got only 13 payers to choose from. And there’s a bit of viral going around so there’s a bit of uncertainty in the team as well, which we cannot help. Looking at the next few weeks, it’s quite important for us to look after the players and their well being. It’s okay for them to be home at this point in time, but the reason being we want everybody to be fresh during the World Cup.”
Mukesh and Washington are, however, also in the Asian Games squad, which is expected to leave for China late on September 27, the same day as the third ODI. But India’s first game in Hangzhou is only on October 3.
On Ashwin, Rohit had said at that same press meet, “The games against Australia will give us a chance to look at where he’s at.” As such, Ashwin has given a fair account of himself so far, returning 1 for 47 and 3 for 41 in the two games.