In the second ODI against West Indies, the hosts beat team India by six wickets. With this, the three-match series is now standing at 1-1 for both teams. During the toss, many Indian fans were disappointed to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not playing in this match. Now former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has also raised questions on the unavailability of both these players from the second ODI knowing that 2023 World Cup is very near.
In the second ODI, India made changes to their playing XI, bringing in Sanju Samson and Axar Patel. Shai Hope and his team took advantage of India fielding a relatively inexperienced side and managed to secure a six-wicket victory and make a balance between the series.
While talking to his youtube channel, Aakash Chopra said that it was so strange to see Rohit Sharma and Kohli not playing and they should not take it lightly as the ODI world cup is approaching.
Aakash Chopra said,”You might be wondering why Rohit and Kohli weren’t there. Was it because the opposition team collapsed in the last match? The West Indies looked extremely ordinary while batting first, so India thought they won’t play their main players, let’s experiment a little more. Could that have been the reason?”
He further added,”If that was the reason, even if you could have got out in one match, that your team gets bowled out for 150, like you made 181 now. So should West Indies ask Shai Hope to rest as this Indian team is very weak? That doesn’t really cut it in my opinion because the World Cup is not too far.”
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Chopra emphasized the significance of team cohesion and preparation for the World Cup and said that it can only be achieved when the team plays together in ODIs. He further emphasized that it is not only crucial for the players to be on the field together but also to bat in their appropriate positions.
