IND vs AUS: Team India hit by viral sickness ahead of third ODI, five players unavailable for last game

India and Australia are all set to lock horns in the third and final ODI of the series on Wednesday, September 27 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. India have already sealed the series having won the first two ODIs and will be bolstered by the return of senior players such as captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Kuldeep Yadav among others.

However, ahead of the start of the third ODI, the Indian camp has been hit by viral sickness while some players have made the decision to return back home. As a result, five players will be unavailable for the last game leaving the management to choose their playing XI from the remaining 13 players.

“We have got a lot of players who are sick and not available, a lot of players have personal problems so they have gone home and a few of the guys have been rested as well. Obviously, Gill has been rested, Shami, Hardik and Shardul have all gone home…again, personal things. Axar, obviously, is not available for this game,” Rohit was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Further speaking ahead, Rohit said that it's important for the team to look after the players' well-being hence it’s okay for them to be at home at this point so they can return fresh for the World Cup.

We want everybody fresh during World Cup: Rohit Sharma

“There is a bit of viral going around in the team as well. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the team at this point in time which we cannot help. Looking at the next few weeks it is quite important for us to look after the players and their well-being. So, it is okay for them to be at home at this point — the reason being we want everybody to be fresh during the World Cup and hopefully, they can come back fresh,” he added.

Notably, India have risen to the top of the ICC ODI rankings after winning the first two matches. They will now enter the World Cup as the number-one team in the world. The Men in Blue will start their World Cup campaign with a couple of warm-up fixtures against England (September 30) and Netherlands (October 03) before their opening game against Australia on October 08 in Chennai.