India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Prasidh Krishna Harsh Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy Return as Afghanistan Bat First

India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Prasidh Krishna Harsh Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy Return as Afghanistan Bat First

India made three important changes to their playing XI for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan as Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy returned to the side at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first on what appeared to be a dry and hard surface.

Having already secured the three-match series with convincing victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow, India enter the contest with a chance to complete a comprehensive 3-0 clean sweep. The final ODI also offers the team management an opportunity to test squad depth and assess players ahead of future assignments.

Afghanistan Choose to Set a Target

After winning the toss, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed confidence in batting first. He believed the pitch looked ideal for batting despite the challenging weather conditions.

The Afghan captain acknowledged that his side had failed to perform at their best in the first two matches and stressed the importance of building partnerships and improving execution with both bat and ball.

Afghanistan have struggled throughout the series against a dominant Indian outfit. However, the visitors will be hoping that experienced players such as Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz can inspire a stronger performance in Chennai.

India Ring in Changes

India captain Shubman Gill revealed that the team would have also preferred batting first but remained confident of chasing on the red-soil surface.

The hosts brought back Nitish Kumar Reddy after he missed the previous ODI due to soreness in his left thigh. His return strengthens India's all-round options and adds valuable balance to the middle order.

Prasidh Krishna also returns to the playing XI, providing additional pace and bounce, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey gets another opportunity to showcase his talent in international cricket.

Making way for the trio are Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul. With Rahul rested, Ishan Kishan takes over wicketkeeping responsibilities for the final match of the series.

Pitch Conditions Favor Balanced Cricket

According to the pitch assessment before the match, the Chennai surface is a red-soil wicket expected to provide consistent bounce for both fast bowlers and spinners.

Experts believe bowlers who vary their pace effectively could enjoy success, particularly during the middle overs. The dry conditions are also likely to assist spinners as the game progresses, making batting increasingly challenging in the second innings.

Players to Watch

Shubman Gill remains the biggest batting threat for India after his brilliant performances throughout the series. The captain will be eager to continue his impressive run of form.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's return adds excitement, as fans will be keen to see how he performs after recovering from injury concerns.

For Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan remain crucial figures. Gurbaz has the ability to provide an explosive start, while Rashid's experience could prove vital in restricting India's strong batting lineup.

India Eye Perfect Finish

With the series already secured, India have the luxury of experimenting while maintaining their winning momentum. The match presents another opportunity for emerging players to impress selectors and strengthen their claims for future international assignments.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be desperate to avoid a whitewash and finish the tour on a positive note. While India start as clear favourites, cricket fans can expect an intense battle as both sides take the field in Chennai.

A victory for India would complete a dominant series sweep and further underline the depth and strength of their ODI squad heading into upcoming international challenges.