Dravid provides crucial update on India squad availability for first WC warm-up match vs England: 'By Friday morning...'
Rahul Dravid discussed the squad absences in the final ODI against Australia and given an update on player availability for the World Cup warm-up game.
Glenn Maxwell's part-time off-spin caused India's middle-order to fall under strain, and Australia produced their finest performance of the series in the series' final ODI match on Wednesday, losing by 66 runs.
Nevertheless, India took the lead after the team had already established a 2-0 lead into the Rajkot final. While pursuing a tough mark of 353 on a flat surface, India looked to be well on their way to triumph at 171/2; however, the middle-order failed during the chase, with Maxwell's outstanding figures of 4/40 giving vital breakthroughs. India eventually concluded with 49.4 overs at 286.
Half-centuries were struck by captain Rohit Sharma (81) and Virat Kohli (56 off 61 balls), who were both back for the game. This created the foundation for a solid middle-order performance.
The rest of the batting order, however, faltered, giving Australia the advantage. A lengthy list of absences harmed India as well, with several players sidelined for both personal and viral infections.
On the day of the match, Ishan Kishan was ruled out due to illness, adding to the absence of players such as Mohammed Shami, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, and others. Axar Patel, however, has already missed time due to an injury he suffered during the Asia Cup earlier this month.
It is understandably not ideal for players to be sidelined with the World Cup rapidly approaching, but India's head coach Rahul Dravid addressed the absences, stating that a "full-strength" team ought to be available before the team's first warm-up match against England later this week.
The group has experienced a couple problems with viral content. A certain amount of balancing was required, particularly because a few guys had to return home for private reasons.
Tonight, some of the boys, including Rutu (Ruturaj Gaikwad) and Tilak (Varma), had to go for the Asian Games. Therefore, we had to manage a little bit of juggling in this game, Dravid stated at the press conference that followed the game.
But no, I hope we still have a week or so. When we arrive in Guwahati tomorrow, at the very least by tomorrow night or early the following day, we should be fully assembled. Additionally, the group's bug ought to have disappeared. Be kind in case that occurs," Dravid continued.
Campaign India begins on October 8.
India's next matchups are against England on September 30 and the Netherlands on October 3. At Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, the team plays Australia on the eighth to begin the tournament proper.