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Why Has Rohit Sharma Dropped KL Rahul From India's Playing XI For 3rd ODI vs SL?

KL Rahul won't feature in 3rd ODI vs SL [PTI]KL Rahul won't feature in 3rd ODI vs SL [PTI]

In a strategic move, India have excluded KL Rahul from their playing XI for the decider against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

At toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that the visitors have made two changes to their playing XI from the last game, bringing in Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant in place of Arshdeep Singh and KL Rahul. 


Why Has Rohit Sharma Dropped KL Rahul?

Despite being a gifted cricketer, KL Rahul hasn't been at his best in this series. After failing to convert his start into a match-winning knock in the series opener, the keeper-batter fell prey to Jeffrey Vandersay's wily leg spin in the second ODI. 

So, considering his rough patch, India have decided to replace him with dynamic batter Rishabh Pant. 

Rahul's timid batting approach on sluggish track earned him massive backlash from the cricketing fraternity. Having said that, India had a choice to bench Shreyas Iyer if they wanted Pant in their XI. 

However, as Rohit Sharma earlier clarified that only one wicket-keeper would feature in the XI, Rahul had to make way for Pant. 

Given his counterattacking mindset, Pant could be India's surprise package in the third ODI. As someone who doesn't fear to take risks, the explosive southpaw might emerge as the difference between two sides if he gets going. 

Meanwhile, India have also handed an ODI debut cap to Riyan Parag, replacing Arshdeep Singh with him. Parag's inclusion ensures an additional spin option in the Indian line-up, as he can be handy with his finger spin.