Well, he's a boss, so be it. On the other hand if something happens with one of Marias Russia is hosed...
Russian team is in an interesting situation, two younger players from the main squad need match practice, and three vets would have benefited from a short vacation. I don't think Estes, Sokolova and Gamova would be thrilled by the prospect of taking a trip to Japan and then after stressful tournament heading back to London to play probably for their last chance to win Olympics.
IMHO Russia is treading on thin ice here. I think Ovchinnikov played Kosheleva in the starting six just to give her much needed courttime in the hope that she quickly gains competitive form. Perhaps he plans to use Estes just a bit later in the SF/F stage or if situation really becomes dire. My impression is that he has not enough authority/control over both Gamova and Goncharova to 'safely' keep them on court or else he would try to sub Tanya with Natasha at least for some short stints.
I really wonder why he chose Merkulova over Moroz.
Sad to say it but I think age is catching with Lyuba, majority of her attacks from high sets get weakened by block and/or picked up relatively easily by good defense.
