(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] There came a huge uproar as India decided to rest two of their key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the first two ODIs of the upcoming series versus Australia, which is scheduled just two weeks prior to the World Cup 2023.
Providing clarity on the decision, India head coach Rahul Dravid informed the decision to rest both these star batters was taken after a mutual discussion.
India want Rohit and Virat to be fit for the World Cup and therefore, chose to hand them a break for the first two games of the Australia series.
“The decision to rest Kohli and Rohit was taken after mutual discussion & consultation as the team wanted them to be fresh mentally and physically for the World Cup,” Dravid said while addressing the media on Thursday.
Along with Rohit and Virat, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav also have been given rest up until the Indore ODI. They have been included the squad for the final fixture of the series.
The ODI series between India and Australia is slated to begin on September 22 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.