Former India player Pragyan Ojha claimed to be disappointed at the Indian middle-order batting and their inability to pace the innings in the absence of key players – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI series against the West Indies. Although they won in the three-match series, they faced a shock defeat in the second game.

Speaking to TOI, Pragyan Ojha said, “When you play a 50-over game, it is very important how you pace your innings,” Ojha said. “The middle order crumbled without Virat and Rohit. The think tank was trying to rest Virat and Rohit, but the purpose was not met. Ahead of the World Cup, we have seen new players given more responsibilities. These young boys should take these chances and opportunities.”

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“They needed to know how to pace the innings, especially in a 50-over game,” Pragyan Ojha further added. “These things should be addressed as soon as possible so that in a crucial game if we lose our senior members, these youngsters can manage. The West Indies series is very important for these young boys.”

Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are currently recovering from injuries and battling to be fit in time for the World Cup in October as well. And, Pragyan Ojha further emphasized the importance of having them fit for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC ODI World Cup as well.

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“Both (Shreyas and KL) are very important for India in the World Cup,” Pragyan Ojha continued. “They are not part of the series against Ireland, but I think they will be considered. I don’t know where they stand in terms of fitness and recovery is a concern. But they are very crucial for the World Cup and Asia Cup. Both have a lot of experience. India are looking for players and batters who can bat at No. 4 and No. 5. These are the numbers and slots where we face challenges most of the time”