In the second ODI against the West Indies, India’s decision to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma backfired as they were bowled out for a low total of 181. Stand-in captain Hardik Pandya took charge to find answers for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, giving opportunities to Sanju Samson and Axar Patel. However, their performances were disappointing, and the team couldn’t even play out the full 50 overs.

The West Indies chased down the target and won the game by six wickets, leveling the series 1-1. The move to bench key players raised questions from fans and critics alike. Addressing the media after the loss, head coach Rahul Dravid defended the team’s strategy, emphasizing the need to focus on the bigger picture with the Asia Cup and World Cup on the horizon.

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“We can’t get worried about every single game and every single series. If we do that, I think that will be a mistake,” Rahul Dravid stated, reiterating the team’s focus on long-term planning.

With the series finale approaching in Trinidad, India is likely to bring back Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma into the playing XI. Hardik Pandya acknowledged the cruciality of the final match and expressed excitement about the challenge ahead.

“Being a turtle at the moment, not a rabbit. Hoping everything goes well during the World Cup. They will be tested; we will be tested now that the series stands 1-1. The next game will be exciting for the viewers as well as the players,” Hardik Pandya said.

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As the teams gear up for the crucial decider, India’s approach to building the right combination for the upcoming major tournaments will be closely scrutinized. The fans are eagerly awaiting an exciting clash in the series finale, hoping to see the top guns back in action and India delivering a strong performance to secure victory.