'Don't want to expose him': Rohit Sharma reasons resting star player for Australia series

After a successful Asia Cup 2023 campaign, Team India's next assignment is the 3-match bilateral series against Australia. Considering that the Aussies will pose the first hurdle in front of India in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup, the series could be key to gauge what challenge the men in yellow outfit could bring on October 8, 2023. Ahead of the first ODI, which is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2023, Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar once again convened to disseminate the squad for the series.

3 things you need to know

• India won the Asia Cup for the record 8th time
• India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by 10 wickets
• The Ind vs Aus series is scheduled to start from September 22, 2023

Also Read | Massive Jolt To PAK Ahead Of ODI World Cup, Top Pacer To Be Ruled Out Over Shoulder Injury

Kuldeep Yadav not a part of Australia series

Ajit Agarkar led committee came out with two squads for the Australia series. The roster for the first two ODIs is partially different than what has been announced for the 3rd ODI. While the objective is to give as much exposure as possible to the World Cup provisional squad, but the augmentation of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar makes it known that the team management is wary of the injury concerns prevailing with the team and intends to be at the top of the situation in case an emergency arises. However, one player who is certain to become a part of the World Cup squad and could feature in India's every match in the tournament is surprisingly not a part of the 3-match affair against Australia. Kuldeep Yadav is in a blazing form at the moment, the player picked up 9 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 and was adjudged the player of the series. He will miss the first two matches of the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Also Read | 'He Is Not Playing Any Cricket': Rohit Sharma Has Some Out Of The Box Take On Ashwin's ODI Return

Team Management does not want to expose Kuldeep Yadav to Australia

According to captain Rohit Sharma, the removal of Kuldeep Yadav from the squad is part of a usual strategy. As the bowler is expected to be a lethal weapon for Team India, the management does not want the opposition to get accustomed to what's coming their way. Thus, to keep the mystery intact, Kuldeep Yadav has been rested and will return to the side in the practice games before the World Cup. 

"Kuldeep is a rhythm bowler, we all know that," India captain Rohit Sharma said. "But we thought of a lot of things and took this call. His bowling is going well, like Ajit [Agarkar] said, we had to give players a chance, especially those who played just one game at the Asia Cup and are in the World Cup squad.

"We have been looking at Kuldeep for the last one, one and a half years, this is why we don't want to expose him a lot. He is coming back for the last match. There are a lot of reasons. This is the best decision for us, to have him sit out for two games and play the third. We also have two practice matches [before the World Cup opener], so for the bowling rhythm, he will be back in it."