Indian skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that there are a lot of uncertainties ahead of the third and final ODI of the series against Australia on September 27. Rohit confirmed that only 13 players are available for selection for the dead rubber clash.
Axar Patel has been ruled out whereas Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami have gone back home. Also, Hardik Pandya who was expected to join for the third ODI is unavailable as well.
"We have got a lot of players who are sick, unavailable, some have gone home for personal reasons and some are rested. So 13 players are available," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference on September 26. "Gill, Hardik, Shami aren't playing. Axar is unavailable for this game. We have got 13 players to choose from, so there's a lot of uncertainty in the team."
India were expected to field a full-strength side in the third ODI ahead of the World Cup. Despite the unavailability of players, the 36-year-old was positive and happy with how the team has played of late as he said, “Very happy with the last ten ODIs we have played. Bowlers picking wickets, batters getting important runs."
In Patel’s absence, Ravichandran Ashwin has been included in the squad. Ashwin made an impact and picked up four wickets from the two ODIs including a three-fer in the Indore ODI. Rohit who kept the door ajar for Ashwin was happy with the way the veteran off-spinner has repaid the team management’s faith.
"We cannot take away the class and experience that Ashwin has. He bowled really well and has got some variations up his sleeve. In case there is a chance, it works well for us because the backups are ready," he said.
India are currently the no.1 ranked team across all formats going into the World Cup. However, Rohit feels that the ranking does not matter and the teams have other things to worry about.
"It's a positive to be the No.1 going into the World Cup but it doesn't matter at the end of the day. We have to stay at present and play some good cricket. Don't think anyone is worried about rankings at this point. We have bigger things to worry about," the opener said.
