In a thrilling encounter, India’s top order featuring Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli took a backseat as the team experimented with its batting lineup in the first ODI against West Indies. Opting to field first in Barbados, Rohit’s decision paid off as the hosts crumbled to a mere 114 runs in 23 overs, baffled by the spin-friendly pitch. Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliance with four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja’s three wickets proved decisive.
When India took to the chase, it was Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill who opened the innings. However, the Indian batting line-up faced its own challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. As Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, and eventually Kishan fell, Rohit found himself walking in at a much later stage in the innings.
Remarkably, it was the first time since his international debut in 2007 that Rohit had batted at No.7. The experienced batsman jokingly reminisced about his early days in the post-match presentation, saying, “I made my debut for India and was batting at number 7, reminded me of those days.”
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Recalling his debut, Rohit Sharma played his first ODI against Ireland on June 23, 2007. Although he didn’t get a chance to bat in that match, he faced the pitch just three days later against South Africa in Belfast, Ireland. Scoring eight runs in nine balls before falling to Jacques Kallis, India lost the game by four wickets. Interestingly, Rahul Dravid, who now serves as the head coach of the team, was India’s captain at that time, and Sachin Tendulkar had been run out on 99.
Rohit Sharma said, “I made my debut at No.7, it reminded me today of those days (smiles)”. pic.twitter.com/PuwC46poOS
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 27, 2023
Rohit Sharma explained that the team’s decision to experiment with the batting order was to give the ODI players, especially those not part of the Test team, valuable time in the middle. This opportunity was essential to assess and build the team’s bench strength.
“We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in, we will keep trying those things whenever possible. To restrict them to 115, we knew we could try these guys and give them a go. I don’t think they’ll get many chances like this,” he added.
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Despite the unorthodox approach, India eventually overcame the target with five wickets to spare, proving their adaptability and determination. As the series progresses, fans can expect further strategic moves from the Indian team as they gear up for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
