WI vs IND, 2nd ODI: Experiments in focus as Rohit Sharma aims to seal series vs hapless West Indies

By India Today Sports Desk: There is no easy way of saying this. India annihilated West Indies in the first match of the ODI series. It was evident from India’s 5-wicket victory at Barbados on July 27, why only one of these teams is playing in the ODI World Cup 2023, set to be held in the months of October and November.

In case you missed the match, here is a recap of how dominating India actually were in the game.

The West Indies, batting first, were unable to put up a strong performance, being bowled out for a mere 114 runs in just 23 overs. The Indian bowling attack, led by left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, was instrumental in this outcome. The duo took seven wickets effectively dismantling the West Indies’ batting line-up.

In response, India’s chase was not without its hiccups. The team decided to give youngsters some time in the middle, leading to an unusual batting order. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not come out to bat in the top order. Instead, Ishan Kishan led the charge, scoring a half-century. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled, and India found themselves at 97/5 in 17.2 overs.

At this critical juncture, Rohit Sharma stepped onto the pitch. Batting at No.7, a position he hadn’t occupied since his debut, Sharma steered India towards victory. His calm and composed batting helped India chase down the target with five wickets to spare.

Experiments in 2nd ODI

And that brings us to the second ODI match of the series. This is set to be hosted in the same venue as the first ODI, which only means that the conditions will be overwhelmingly in favour of India once again.

After Ishan Kishan’s half century, it is possible that India might opt to hand Sanju Samson the position of the wicketkeeper. Samson has been in and around the India squad and would be hoping to bag some quick runs to let people know that he is worthy of a look-in into the main India team.

India captain Rohit Sharma had said in the 1st ODI that India will be looking to experiment as much as they can but will not be sacrificing results.

Bowling attack

Everyone barring Umran Malik was among wickets in the last match. Will he be given another go in the team? The experts think so, rather the experts hope so. Former India cricketer Zaheer Khan, while commentating on Jio Cinema had hoped that Umran Malik be given regular chances in the Indian team. Zaheer hoped that Umran would be groomed as the X-factor, which could be useful during the ODI World Cup.

Yuzvendra Chahal has played just 2 ODI matches in 2023. Chahal would like a chance to stake his claim in the line-up. With Kuldeep in sensational form, it might be difficult to get a look in, but India could opt for one more spinner instead of a 4-member pace bowling line-up from the 1st ODI.

WI vs IND, 2nd ODI – Match Details

Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Timing: 7:00 PM IST
Broadcast and Streaming: DD Sports and Jio Cinema

West Indies vs India Probable XIs

West Indies

Shai Hope (c & wk), Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Dominic Drakes/Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie

India

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar