The first ODI against Australia was the first ODI he played at his home ground in Mohali as an Indian cricketer. I was 7 years old when we first came to Mohali. Since I had seen so many matches here as a spectator, it was a dream come true for me to play an international match in Mohali. I have played in a few IPL matches but to play an international match with my family watching is something special, Gill said.

The team management has been planning the workload distribution for quite some time now. It was for this reason that India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were exempted from the first two ODIs. Both senior players will join the team in Rajkot.

Jasprit Bamra has been exempted from the second ODI. BCCI tweeted: He has gone to visit his family and the team management has given him a short break. Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has joined the team as Bumrah’s replacement for the second ODI. Bumrah will join the team for the final one ODI in Rajkot.

The upcoming World Cup will be a long campaign for the Indian team, which will play in nine different cities. The team management is trying to find ways to keep the players fresh ahead of the big ICC tournament.