Team India made two forced changes for the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday, after Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh were ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav finally got his opportunity in the ongoing series, while Prasidh Krishna replaced Arshdeep in India’s playing XI.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Injured, BCCI Issues Update
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide, which rendered him unavailable for selection in the Sydney fixture.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide and was subsequently unavailable for selection for the third ODI. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring him on a daily basis,” said an official BCCI statement.
Reddy’s absence prompted the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, who had been on the bench for the first two games despite being India’s most successful ODI spinner over the past five years.
Arshdeep Singh Also Misses Out
Although the BCCI did not issue an official update on Arshdeep Singh, reports suggest that the pacer was still recovering from cramps he suffered during the second ODI. Arshdeep was seen receiving medical attention in Adelaide, and team management opted not to risk him ahead of the upcoming T20I series.
With both players missing, India fielded three frontline pacers—Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana—alongside three spin options: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Toss and Team News
For the third straight time in the series, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bat first. Interestingly, India continued their streak of bad luck with the coin toss—losing their 18th toss in a row.
Australia fielded a strong side, retaining both Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while Nathan Ellis came in for Xavier Bartlett.
Playing XIs
India (Playing XI):
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Australia (Playing XI):
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (w), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Series Context
Australia have already clinched the ODI series, but the third match offers India a chance to test bench strength and end on a positive note before the five-match T20I series begins next week.
Fans will be eager to watch Kuldeep Yadav’s return and how India’s young pace attack performs in challenging Sydney conditions.
