India step into unknown during West Indies Test series

11.07.2023 - 11:43 thenationalnews.com

World Test Championship finalists India are at a crossroads in their red-ball journey and the upcoming series against the West Indies should provide answers to a number of key questions.

India's Test team has witnessed a discernible drop in performance, especially after fitness issues to key players. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant formed the backbone of the team but long-term injuries to both, plus the unavailability of many core team players over the past two seasons, has resulted in inconsistent results.

Now, they will be without Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara, with young batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad entrusted with taking team forward, along with Shubman Gill.

Captain Rohit Sharma, 36, and Virat Kohli, 34, are also nearing the twilight of their careers, which means the next cycle of Indian cricket has more or less begun.

cricket bowling cycling India Cricket Test Rohit Sharma Ajinkya Rahane Rishabh Pant Australia India

The Indian playing XI for the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados on Saturday had a different look as regular captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not part of it. Hardik Pandya stood in for Rohit, the skipper. "Few questions need to be answered for us, so Virat and Rohit are resting. They can be fresh for the third ODI. The way we bowled was impressive. The way we caught was great, it changed the momentum. I think when you get someone out for 115, it's a good effort from the bowlers. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Instead of losing five wickets, we could have lost only two wickets and finished the last game. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel come in for Rohit and Virat," stand-in captain Hardik Pandya said at the toss.

Watch: Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal Indulge In Banter During 2nd ODI vs West Indies. Video Is Viral

On a day when India aspiring batters, in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, failed to capitalise on a great opportunity, there was little to cheer up the visitors in Barbados at the second ODI against West Indies on Saturday. However, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja lightened up the mood as they indulged in banter in the rain-hit second ODI. During one of the two rain interruptions, Chahal could be seen teasing Jadeja, who had a good laugh.

India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie Shine In West Indies' Series-Levelling Win Over India

Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten half-century as West Indies defeated India by six wickets in the second ODI and bring the three-match series on an even keel in Bridgetown on Saturday. Hope (63 not out; 80 balls) found a fine ally in Keacy Carty (48 not out; 65b) as the duo put together 91 runs (118b) for the fourth wicket to steady their 182-run chase. WI reached the target with 80 balls to spare. In absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India's batting looked feeble.

Watch: Virat Kohli Shares Valuable Tips With West Indies Batter, Star's Gesture Is Viral

Star batter Virat Kohli didn't get a chance to bat in the first ODI against West Indies on Thursday as the management decided to shuffle the batting order. With the visitors chasing a modest target of 115, Ishan Kishan opened the batting with Shubman Gill, with captain Rohit Sharma coming in at no. 7. Kohli, however, did not bat in the chase as India won the match by five wickets. After the match, Kohli was seen having a chat with West Indies captain Shai Hope.

India's Predicted XI vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: Will Sanju Samson Find Himself A Place?

India registered a thumping five-wicket victory over West Indies on Thursday. Opting to bowl first, the visitors bundled out West Indies for 114 after Kuldeep Yadav took a four-wicket haul. Apart from him, Ravindra Jadeja also took three wickets. Later, Ishan Kishan smashed 52 off 46 balls as Team India completed the proceedings in 22.5 overs. The Indian team will be expected to return to its set batting order as it aims to put up a much-improved show with the willow and take an unassailable lead in the three-match series. Skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid did face a minor hiccup while trying out the middle-order batters upfront on a track that became a raging turner during the second session.

Wasim Jaffer's Hilarious Meme On India's Batting Order vs West Indies Wins Internet

Skipper Rohit Sharma and senior pro Virat Kohli, who have 76 international hundreds between them, decided to give game time to middle-order batters as India beat West Indies by five wickets in the opening ODI, riding on exploits from spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. After Jadeja (3/37 in 6 overs) and Kuldeep (4/6 in 4 overs) set it up beautifully, shooting out the Windies for 114 in 23 overs, Ishan Kishan helped himself to a half-century (52 off 46 balls) in India's successful chase in just 22.5 overs.