Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar feels that though Rohit Sharma and co. have won the series, the management must stick to the same playing XI for the 3rd ODI against England in Ahmedabad. The final match of the series will be played on February 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Many people expect the team's management to experiment with the starting lineup, but former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has warned against making unnecessary changes, citing the need for consistency and continuity.
There have been calls for young players like Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, and Rishabh Pant to be given an opportunity now that the final ODI is only a formality. However, Bangar believes India should continue with their current roster to maintain momentum until the ICC Champions Trophy.
"I don't think Yashasvi Jaiswal needs to play. If there's merit, you can play Arshdeep Singh or Rishabh Pant, but with only one match left, it might be better to continue with the current XI. KL Rahul has not had many chances to bat long, and his keeping has been solid. It's important to trust him," Bangar stated on JioCinema.
India won the chase with relative ease courtesyofo Rohit Sharma's aggressive effort of 119 in 90 deliveries, which was critical in neutralizing England's bowling assault. Bangar emphasized the effect of Rohit's knock.
"Rohit Sharma's innings and his partnership with Shubman Gill didn't allow England to come back into the game. His intent made the match one-sided,” he said.
Bangar's views were echoed by former India all-rounder Suresh Raina, who stressed the importance of sticking with the same lineup.
"The captain and vice-captain led from the front. Rohit hit sixes in different areas, and I feel he should continue playing with the same intent in every match. Arshdeep might be an option if the team wants to rest Mohammad Shami, who hasn't looked at his sharpest, but I would prefer to see the same team that has been doing well so far," Raina opined.
This match will be India’s last ODI before facing Bangladesh on February 20 in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament opener in Dubai.
