As the cricketing world braces for an action-packed season, former India captain Virat Kohli and his Bollywood star wife Anushka Sharma took a moment to seek divine blessings from Lord Ganesh ahead of the much-anticipated 3rd ODI against Australia and the CWC 2023.
Virat Kohli, who recently completed a remarkable milestone by amassing 13,000 ODI runs during the Asia Cup 2023 tournament in Sri Lanka, has been enjoying some well-deserved time off. His impressive form with the bat saw him not only achieve this significant milestone but also notch up his 47th ODI century during the Super 4 match against arch-rivals Pakistan. India clinched the Asia Cup 2023 title with a massive 228-run victory in that memorable game.
The couple was spotted participating in the vibrant Ganesh Mahotsava festivities in Mumbai over the past week. The duo of Virat & Anushka could actively participate in Ganesh Utsav after the prolific cricketer was given a brief break to rewind himself after Asia Cup 2023. Virat & Anushka visited a Ganesh Pandal in Mumbai ahead of Rajkot ODI & CWC 2023.
Let’s have a look at Virat-Anushka Ganesh Mahotsava Pics
Talking about the India vs Australia ODI series, the Indian cricket team has already sealed the ODI series against Australia with two resounding victories in Mohali and Indore, the third and final ODI in Rajkot carries its own significance. Captain Rohit Sharma, who is also making a return for the deciding ODI, is determined to complete a 3-0 whitewash. This achievement would not only bolster the team’s confidence but also ensure that India enters the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 next month as the No. 1-ranked ODI team.
IND vs. AUS 3rd ODI will witness the comeback of Virat & Rohit
In the upcoming ODI, India will welcome back pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was given a one-match break to recharge. However, all-rounder Axar Patel, recovering from a quadricep tear, will be granted a few more days to prepare for the World Cup, as per BCCI sources. The team management is determined to provide Axar with ample recovery time, recognizing his potential as a key asset. Should Axar be unavailable, the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin is ready to step in.
A BCCI Official has confirmed that Axar’s forearm and finger bruises have healed & he will need another few days to get fit for the CWC 2023. He further said that India’s first match in the marquee event is on September 8 & Axar has enough time to recover & come back to action. He also said that Ashwin is match fit & in great form, if Axar fails to recover on time then Ashwin will eventually step in as his replacement.
As the September 27 deadline for the final squad announcement approaches, Axar remains the top choice for the reserve spinner’s slot, as per insider information. Young talents like Shubman Gill and bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur have also been granted a brief respite before the high-stakes encounter in Rajkot.
A BCCI Official has confirmed that as per the rotation policy, Bumrah along with Virat, Rohit, Hardik & Kuldeep were given rest for a few days to come back stronger for decider ODIs against Australia. Gill who is playing in back-to-back matches has been rested for the third ODI along with Shardul Thakur.
Also read, Sri Lanka announces squad for ODI World Cup 2023
