The 3rd ODI in Ahmedabad will feature 5 key player battles that could shape the match. A dominant opener will take on a pacer, while a star batter faces a skilled leg-spinner. A struggling middle-order player battles a mystery spinner, a seasoned anchor challenges an all-rounder, and an in-form batter confronts a fiery pacer.
1. Rohit Sharma vs Saqib Mahmood
The Indian captain smashed a 90-ball 119, laced with 12 fours and seven sixes, signaling his return to form just before the ICC Champions Trophy. This knock would have given India a massive confidence boost, and he will now look to take on England with even more intent.
Saqib Mahmood got the better of Rohit in the first game, but the Indian skipper dominated him in Cuttack, taking him apart with two sixes and a four. Their contest promises to be a thrilling battle in the next match.
2. Virat Kohli vs Adil Rashid
Virat Kohli returned to the XI in Cuttack after missing the Nagpur ODI and began with a sublime straight drive. However, his stay was short-lived as Adil Rashid sent him back early. The England leg-spinner has had considerable success against Kohli over the years.
Notably, Rashid has dismissed the former Indian captain ten times in international cricket, including four times in ODIs. Their duel in the middle overs at Ahmedabad will be a key battle to watch.
3. Harry Brook vs Varun Chakravarthy
Harry Brook has struggled for most of this tour, finding it tough to score freely against India’s spinners. He has failed to settle at the crease for long, and a major reason for his struggles has been Varun Chakravarthy.
The Indian spinner has dismissed Brook three times in T20Is. While Brook did manage to hit him for a six in Cuttack, he could only score two runs off the remaining eight balls he faced. Their battle will be crucial once again.
4. Joe Root vs Ravindra Jadeja
Joe Root is a key player for England, capable of anchoring the innings and setting the stage for the power hitters. While he has shown good form, a big knock has eluded him so far, largely due to Ravindra Jadeja’s dominance.
The Indian all-rounder has dismissed Root in both ODIs, and the English batter has struggled against him. Notably, Jadeja has removed Root 13 times in international cricket, including five times in ODIs. Their contest in the middle overs will be another key battle in the third ODI.
5. Shubman Gill vs Jamie Overton
Shubman Gill has been the standout batter of the series, leading the charts with two superb half-centuries. He has looked in complete control, scoring fluently without taking unnecessary risks, making him a key asset for India in any situation.
England will be desperate to dismiss him early, and Jamie Overton could be their best bet. The pacer bowled a sensational yorker to shatter Gill’s stumps in Cuttack, celebrating in style. If they face off again in Ahmedabad, expect a fired-up contest.