Rishabh Pant & Arshdeep Singh IN, Senior Stars Rested? India’s Likely Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs England

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India to Test Bench Strength in Ahmedabad After Clinching ODI Series

With the India vs England ODI series already secured, the Men in Blue are expected to make several changes for the third and final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

After sealing the series 2-0, the Indian team management is likely to rotate key players, giving opportunities to Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar ahead of their departure for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 15.

With the Champions Trophy looming, the final ODI against England serves as India’s last chance to test their squad depth before heading to Dubai. So, what changes can we expect in India’s playing XI?

India’s Likely Changes for the 3rd ODI: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

🔄 IN: Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar
❌ OUT: KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja

Potential Changes Explained:

  • Rishabh Pant to replace KL Rahul as wicketkeeper-batter.
  • Arshdeep Singh to get his first game of the series, likely replacing Mohammed Shami.
  • Kuldeep Yadav returns, after being rested in the 2nd ODI, replacing Axar Patel.
  • Washington Sundar’s all-round ability could see him replace Ravindra Jadeja, allowing India to assess another spin-bowling option before the Champions Trophy.

Why These Changes Make Sense

Rishabh Pant’s Return: A Crucial Test Before Champions Trophy

🚨 Likely Replacement: KL Rahul OUT, Rishabh Pant IN

🗣️ Why It’s Important:

  • Pant has yet to play an ODI since returning from injury—this is his last chance to get game time before the Champions Trophy.
  • While Rahul has been solid behind the stumps, India might want to test Pant’s fitness and wicketkeeping skills under match pressure.
  • Pant’s explosive batting could give India an aggressive middle-order boost.

Arshdeep Singh Must Get Game Time Before the Champions Trophy

🚨 Likely Replacement: Mohammed Shami OUT, Arshdeep Singh IN

🗣️ Why It’s Important:

  • With Bumrah’s fitness still uncertain, India cannot afford to keep Arshdeep benched before the Champions Trophy.
  • Shami has looked inconsistent—giving away 66 runs in just 7.5 overs in the 2nd ODI.
  • If pace conditions in Dubai prove unfavorable for spin, India needs Arshdeep to be in rhythm heading into the ICC tournament.

⚠️ Potential Problem: If Arshdeep does not play, India risks taking an underprepared pacer to Dubai for an ICC event—a decision that could backfire.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Return: Why Resting Axar Patel Makes Sense

🚨 Likely Replacement: Axar Patel OUT, Kuldeep Yadav IN

🗣️ Why It’s Important:

  • Kuldeep played the first ODI, picking up 1 wicket for 53 runs, before being rested.
  • Axar Patel has been in good form with the bat (52 & 41* in the series) and decent with the ball, but India needs to test their primary wrist-spinner before the Champions Trophy.
  • If spin does not work in Dubai, India must decide whether Kuldeep or Axar should be their go-to slow bowler in crunch situations.

Washington Sundar Over Ravindra Jadeja? A Smart Tactical Move

🚨 Likely Replacement: Ravindra Jadeja OUT, Washington Sundar IN

🗣️ Why It’s Important:

  • Jadeja has been in outstanding form, taking 6 wickets in two ODIs, but India already knows what he brings to the table.
  • Sundar’s inclusion allows India to assess another spin-bowling all-rounder who could be useful in the UAE.
  • Giving Sundar a game could help India plan backup options for different conditions in Dubai.

📍 Match Details – India vs England 3rd ODI

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
📍 Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM IST

📡 Live Streaming & Broadcast:

  • TV: Star Sports Network
  • Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

📝 India’s Likely Playing XI for the 3rd ODI vs England

PositionPlayer
1. OpenerRohit Sharma (C)
2. OpenerShubman Gill
3. Middle OrderVirat Kohli
4. Middle OrderShreyas Iyer
5. Wicketkeeper-BatterRishabh Pant (IN for KL Rahul)
6. All-RounderHardik Pandya
7. All-RounderWashington Sundar (IN for Ravindra Jadeja)
8. SpinnerKuldeep Yadav (IN for Axar Patel)
9. PacerArshdeep Singh (IN for Mohammed Shami)
10. PacerHarshit Rana
11. SpinnerVarun Chakaravarthy

Will India Overhaul Their XI or Stick to Winning Combination?

While India has already won the series, the 3rd ODI provides a crucial chance to fine-tune their squad for the Champions Trophy. The big question is—will India take the risk and test their bench strength, or will they stick to their winning combination?

🚨 What Could Happen?
✅ If India wins the toss and bats first: Pant and Sundar could get a proper batting opportunity.
✅ If India bowls first: Arshdeep and Kuldeep will have the chance to prove themselves before Dubai.

🔎 One Thing is Certain: If Arshdeep does not play this game, his selection over Mohammed Siraj will be even more questionable.

Should India go all-in with changes or keep momentum with their strongest XI? Share your thoughts below!

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