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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)
In the second ODI against the West Indies, India surprised everyone by resting Skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Allrounder Hardik Pandya took the captain's role in Barbados. This decision raised eyebrows, as India has only one ODI left before the Asia Cup 2023. Speaking at the toss, Hardik revealed that Rohit and Kohli chose to rest before the third game to stay fresh.
Meanwhile, West Indies skipper Shai Hope won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to level the series after losing the first match by five wickets. After winning the toss, he said, "We are going to bowl first; we saw what happened in the last game. The conditions will assist the bowlers. We've got two games to play, so we've got to win this one to stay alive. It has been a bit unpredictable. Both teams have to play on the same surface. We've got to bowl first and put them under pressure. Powell and Drakes are out, while Alzarri and Keacy are in."
Speaking about Rohit and Virat's rest, stand-in India skipper Hardik Pandya revealed that both have been given rest as they have been playing constant cricket for the last few months. He said, "We were looking to bat first. We want to see how much we can score on this pitch, which is a bit up and down. Rohit and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so they are resting in this game. They can be fresh for the third ODI. I think when you get someone out for 115, it's a good sign. Our catch was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Sanju and Axar come in for Rohit and Virat."
Sanju Samson and Axar Patel make it into playing XI
In the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Indian team management fielded wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and all-rounder Axar Patel. Samson has been phenomenal in the last few years in domestic cricket but has failed to capitalise on the opportunities on an international level. He is one of the most elegant batters among young players but has failed to replicate it on a bigger stage.
Meanwhile, Axar Patel's direct competitor is Ravindra Jadeja. It's surprising that the team has fielded both left-arm spinners in the playing XI. However, it seems that team management is looking to give everyone a fair chance before the prestigious ODI World Cup and Asia Cup 2023. It will be interesting to see how these young players respond.
Here is how fans reacted to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's rest:
They both will not play the T20I series against WI or Ireland. That means only 1 game is left before the Asia Cup.
β Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) July 29, 2023
Saturday Ruined Mann π€¬
β hshsjlskajhjsjsj (@phenomenal908) July 29, 2023
Sanju playing today and Hardik seems not so happy about it
β Nirmal Jyothi (@majornirmal) July 29, 2023
It makes no sense because they are resting for T20s and you don't want to miss out on limited possibilities before the big Asia Cup and World Cup.
β Shubham Sakhuja (@ishubhamsakhuja) July 29, 2023
Jab rest he karwana tha to select kyu kiya ???
β Pawan Shukla (@Shukla8175) July 29, 2023
Series already has Low Viewership, Now it dropped Further More
β Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) July 29, 2023
Consider this scenario
β Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) July 29, 2023
Rohit Rested and Virat plays(as a captain)
India wins today where Virat scores a Double hundred.
Selectors will think Virat is perfect to give back captaincy as he is in full form and hence Virat is made captain for world cup too.
And India wins worldβ¦
No one's gonna watch this match now
β Pranav (@PranavR40) July 29, 2023
β Dyno π (@dyno_tweet) July 29, 2023
What I saw:
β ββ (@Himansiuu_31) July 29, 2023
Rohit Sharma & Virat kohli rested for the 2nd ODI.
What I read:
No match Tonight