'If Yashasvi Jaiswal doesn't play now, it makes no difference at all' - Ajinkya Rahane on India's playing XI changes in 3rd ODI vs West Indies

India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against West Indies ahead of the final encounter. The third and final ODI is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Both teams began their series in Thiruvananthapuram as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Ajinkya Rahane has outlined his preference for squad adjustments in the third ODI, focusing on the balance between giving opportunities to returning players and establishing roles ahead of the World Cup cycle.

Several fans believe that Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is the backup opener in the side, should get an opportunity at the top of the order. However, Rahane opined that more than Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammed Siraj are the ones who need to be given game time.

"I want to see 1 or 2 changes. Mohammed Siraj will mostly come in, and I want to see Nitish Kumar Reddy back as well. If he is in your World Cup plans, his role will be crucial, so it is important to give him confidence here. If Jaiswal doesn't play now, it makes no difference at all, because our batting is set. You need to set the all-rounder's slot," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.

Jaiswal's ODI record and comeback to the series

Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a comeback to the ODI squad for this series against West Indies. The opening batter has featured in six one-day matches, scoring 285 runs at an average of 71.25 with two centuries. Of his six ODIs, three have come against South Africa, two against Afghanistan and one against England. Despite his strong record, Jaiswal has not featured in the first two matches of the series.

Reddy's role and recent ODI history

Nitish Kumar Reddy played the first ODI against the Caribbean side and had an expensive outing with the ball. He didn't get to bat and was subsequently replaced by Auqib Nabi in the second ODI.

Also Read: 3 changes India can make for the 3rd ODI against West Indies

Reddy has featured in seven ODIs, scoring 100 runs at an average of 33.33 with one half-century. He has picked up three wickets with the ball. Rahane's emphasis on Reddy's return reflects the importance of establishing the all-rounder's role ahead of the World Cup cycle.