India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, is expected to be rested for the third and final ODI against West Indies. Reports suggest that he didn’t travel with the squad to Trinidad for the series decider and is likely to be on the bench for the match. No official confirmation has been made regarding Kohli’s selection in the playing XI since he didn’t travel with the team.
In the second ODI, the Indian team management decided to drop both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma after a comfortable win in the first ODI. However, this decision seemed to backfire as the Men in Blue suffered a humiliating defeat in the second ODI, allowing West Indies to level the three-match series.
Will Virat Kohli be rested tomorrow? He didn’t travel with team to Trinidad yesterday? No confirmation if he will join the team today. In all fairness Surya and Sanju should get 1 more game and Virat gains nothing playing this series. #IndvWI
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) July 31, 2023
Notably, the Windies secured their first ODI victory against India since 2019, breaking a streak of nine consecutive losses. India’s batting struggled as they were bundled out for a mere 181 runs in Bridgetown, Barbados.
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Ishan Kishan scored 55 runs, while Shubman Gill managed 34 off 49 balls. However, the rest of the batting unit failed to contribute significantly.
During the chase, West Indies captain Shai Hope played a crucial unbeaten knock of 63 off 80 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, leading his team to victory in the second ODI. Sanju Samson, who got a chance, couldn’t make a significant impact in that match.
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For the third ODI, Team India might consider backing Samson again while bringing back captain Rohit Sharma. The final match will take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday, August 1. Team India will aim for a strong comeback in this game before shifting their focus to the upcoming five T20Is.
