IND vs SA 2025: Why is Washington Sundar not playing in IND vs SA 3rd One-Day International?

IND vs SA 2025: Washington Sundar (Source: ICC)

India won the toss in the series-deciding clash  against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam and opted to field first. The Men in Blue finally won a toss after losing it consecutively for past 20 occasions.

The hosts won the first match by a 17-run margin in Ranchi. It was a high-scoring contest which went in the favour of the Indians. South Africa, batting second for the second time in two games, pulled off a historic run-chase as India failed to defend 359.

Toss Update

India’s standby ODI skipper KL Rahul won the toss and opted to field first. He explained the consideration of dew behind his decision. He highlighted that there were plenty of positives from the previous two games, including the loss in Raipur. While Rahul announced one change, Temba Bavuma said that the Proteas had made a couple to their own XI.

Tilak Varma comes in for India; Ryan Rickelton, Ottneil Baartman replace injured duo of Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger

Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar was left out of the XI as Tilak Varma was drafted into the setup. Sundar, who batted at No. 5 and No. 6 in the first and second matches, scored 13 and 1, respectively. Even with the ball, he was only used for seven overs in the two matches combined.

As for the tourists, they were forced to make two changes with Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger missing out after sustaining hamstring injuries in Raipur. Top-order batter Ryan Rickelton and pacer Ottneil Baartman replaced them in the XI.

What did the captains say?

KL Rahul

We are going to bowl first. We trained here last night, there was dew and it didn’t come in early as Ranchi and Raipur. We want to chase the total and see how we can bowl first. Looks like a good wicket. We are really happy with the way we have played in the last two games. Considering the conditions, we have done well and there are a lot of positives to take. Not many things we are looking to change. One change. Washington misses out, Tilak comes in.

Temba Bavuma

We would have bowled first. A good start upfront will set it up for the middle order. It’s been entertaining. The crowd has come out. Hope today’s another thrilling one. Two changes. Rickelton and Baartman come in. They (Burger and de Zorzi) will be out for a couple of weeks.

IND vs SA, 3rd ODI — Playing 11s

India

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wk/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa

Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.