India has chosen to include Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey, and Nitish Kumar Reddy in their playing eleven as Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. India leads the series 2-0 after a significant 170-run victory in Lucknow, aiming for a clean sweep with another win in Chennai. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, announced four changes in their lineup, introducing Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
“We want to bat first today. It’s always hot in India in this month. Wicket also looks good. It’s dry and hard. Hopefully we have a good start in the batting. In last two games we missed some areas and didn’t play the way we have played in the past. Hopefully we recover today and have good partnerships and bowl in the right areas,” Shahidi stated.
India’s playing XI sees the return of Prasidh, Harsh, and Nitish, with Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul sitting out. Nitish, who missed the Lucknow match due to a sore left thigh, is back in Chennai, while Ishan Kishan is set to handle keeping duties. “Looks like a very good wicket. Would’ve batted first as well. Was pretty hot in the last match and it’s going to be no different here. It’s about being consistent in the areas we’re looking at. Chasing is one thing we haven’t ticked. That’s what we’ll be looking at today,” mentioned India skipper Shubman Gill.
Michael Clarke and Deep Dasgupta, in their pitch report, highlighted a red-soil pitch offering good bounce for both pacers and spinners. They also noted that balls with a change of pace could be more advantageous.
