Ashish Ranjan
Hardik Pandya led Team India during the toss for the second ODI of the series against the West Indies in Barbados, which surprised Team India fans. Hardik had previously led the Indian team in the first ODI of the series against Australia in March of this year.
However, Rohit’s absence during India’s return to the format for the first time since the March ODIs raised a few concerns. Hardik disclosed that Rohit and India’s leading cricketer, Virat Kohli, have been given “rest” after months of nonstop cricket play.
“It’s just that there are a few questions that need to be answered,” Hardik said, implying that the team’s management intends to test other players prior to the Asia Cup and World Cup.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been playing cricket continuously. We believed they should recover for this match in order to be at their best for the third ODI. Hardik elaborated, “They are resting and ensuring that the opportunity is given to the other players.”
Rohit and Kohli have been on the road since the beginning of the year, playing in ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand before participating in the four-Test and ODI series against Australia. Following the international season, both players donned their respective franchise colours for the 2023 Indian Premier League and participated in all of their respective franchise games.
In June, Rohit captained the Indian team, with Kohli also participating in the decisive World Test Championship final. However, Team India had a month off before returning for the West Indies tour, where they played two Tests before the ODI series.
Hardik also disclosed that wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and all-rounder Axar Patel replaced Rohit and Kohli in the second match in Barbados. This week, India secured a five-wicket victory at the same venue to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Earlier, India also won the Test series 1-0, with the second match concluding in a draw after the final day of play in Port of Spain was rained out.
