Former India and Karnataka fast bowler Dodda Ganesh has strongly criticized the Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, for deciding to rest KL Rahul during the third and final ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Rahul's limited opportunities in the series
Rahul, who featured in the first two matches of the three-game series, was left out of the playing XI for the final ODI despite having spent very little time in the middle. The wicketkeeper-batter faced only 19 balls in the series opener, remaining unbeaten on 39 as India secured a seven-wicket win in a rain-curtailed contest. He was then dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second ODI in Lucknow.
With Rahul rested, Ishan Kishan took over wicketkeeping duties in Chennai. However, Kishan did not get an opportunity to bat as India comfortably chased down Afghanistan's total to seal a 3-0 series sweep.
Ganesh's outburst on social media
Ganesh questioned the logic behind the decision and took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. “KL Rahul didn’t need this rest. He’s played only 20 balls in the series. Absolutely makes zero sense,” Ganesh wrote.
India's dominant performance
India, however, continued their dominant run in the series. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna starred with a maiden five-wicket haul, returning figures of 5-23 in nine overs, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs despite captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a fighting 102.
Chasing 219, India made light work of the target through a commanding opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo added 170 runs for the first wicket, with Rohit scoring 79 before falling to Mohammad Nabi.
Jaiswal carried on and produced a superb unbeaten 110 off 86 balls, his second ODI century in just three innings. Shreyas Iyer provided support at the other end as India completed the chase with 128 balls to spare and secured a nine-wicket victory.
Historic series win
The result also handed India their first ODI series win under captain Shubman Gill, who led from the front in the field with two direct-hit run-outs during Afghanistan's innings.
