Five players not available for 3rd ODI, confirms skipper Rohit as India set to make wholesale changes

The squad for the third One-Day International (ODI) against Australia is facing a number of challenges, and five players will be out of the match in Rajkot, according to information shared by India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday.

A viral illness has afflicted the Indian team, and some players have decided to head home.
With a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, India has just thirteen players to choose from for the final One-Day International.

Axar Patel is still recovering at the NCA from the left quadricep injury he suffered during the Asia Cup, while Shubman Gill has been rested.

All-rounders Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami, who were both featured in the first two ODIs, along with Hardik Pandya, the other all-rounder, have chosen to go back to their respective homes.

Many of our players are ill and unable to play, many have left the team to deal with personal issues, and others of the guys have taken time off.

"At this moment, we have 13 players," Rohit stated at the pregame press conference.
"Gil has obviously had a break, and Shami, Hardik, and Shardul have all returned home for personal reasons. For this game, Axar is definitely not accessible," Rohit remarked.
According to Rohit, the group's viral illness has increased uncertainties.

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"A little bit of viral content is also circulating within the squad. Therefore, we are unable to address the current level of uncertainty inside the team," he continued.
After missing the first two ODIs between Australia and India at Mohali and Indore, Rohit relished the little respite and hoped that the players would be invigorated by their return home.
In light of the upcoming weeks, it will be crucial for us to take care of the players' health. The World Cup is a time when we want everyone to be at their best, therefore it's acceptable for them to stay at home right now, he explained. Hopefully, they can return feeling rejuvenated.