Why is KL Rahul not playing for India against Afghanistan in the third ODI against Afghanistan?

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul has been rested for today's third and final One-Day International against Afghanistan in Chennai, a calculated move by team management as India has already sealed the series 2-0. With Afghanistan winning the toss and opting to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, this decision provides an opportunity for other players to impress. This isn't an injury scare for Rahul, but rather a strategic decision for workload management, as confirmed by India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and Indian captain Shubman Gill. With India holding an unassailable lead after convincing wins in Dharamshala and Lucknow, the team is using this dead rubber to test its bench strength and give valuable game time to players like Sanju Samson, Harsh Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna, who have replaced Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. This rotation is crucial ahead of a packed international schedule, including the upcoming Asia Cup 2026 and an important tour of England. All eyes will now be on how this revamped Indian side performs, particularly Ishan Kishan who has taken over the wicketkeeping duties and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. The match provides a platform for these players to stake their claim for future selections, while Afghanistan aims to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash on a dry, batting-friendly surface. The outcome will not only finalize the series score but also offer crucial insights into India's squad depth as they prepare for significant upcoming assignments.