Here’s Why Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Not Playing The 2nd ODI Against WI: The Indian cricket team is all set to take on West Indies in the second ODI match of the ongoing 3-match series at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados. India thrashed the Windies in the first ODI match at Bridgetown in Barbados on Thursday and they will be hoping to do the same in the second ODI match at the same venue.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the 2nd ODI
Meanwhile, the fans were left confused as all-rounder Hardik Pandya walked out for the toss instead of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Hardik Pandya will be leading the Indian cricket team as Rohit has been rested for today’s clash. Besides, Rohit, batting maestro Virat Kohli has also been rested for the second ODI match against West Indies.
While both the senior players have been rested for the game, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel have been included in the playing XI.
West Indies opted to bowl first after winning the toss in the second one-day international at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Windies skipper Shai Hope revealed the reason behind his decision to bowl first at 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 got two games to play, so we got to win this one to stay alive. It has been a bit unpredictable. Both teams have to play on the same surface. We got to bowl first and put them under pressure. Powell, Drakes is out, Alzarri and Keacy are in,”
Hardik Pandya Revealed Why Rohit And Virat Were Dropped
At the toss, Hardik revealed that both Rohit and Virat have been rested as the team management is keen on giving a chance to the youngsters. 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 effort from the bowlers. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Instead of losing five wickets, we could have lost only two wickets and finished the last game. Sanju and Axar come in for Rohit and Virat,”
Playing XIs of IND vs WI 2nd ODI:
West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
