Rohit Sharma - players.bio

Sanju Samson 'Reluctant Wicket-keeper': Ex-BCCI Selector's "Not Too Harsh" Dig

The Indian cricket team playing XI in the second ODI had a distinct change. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being rested, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan opened the innings just like in the first ODI. Sanju Samson came to bat at No. 3 while Suryakumar Yadav came to bat at no. 6. There was much expectation from Samson, whose fans have been quite vocal on social media regarding him getting chances. However, the Rajasthan Royals captain could only score nine off 19 balls before being dismissed.

#SackDravid Trends On Twitter After India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Gamble Backfires In 2nd ODI

The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the Indian team for the 2nd ODI left many baffled. As the hunt for the perfect team combination for the forthcoming ODI World Cup continues, the fact that the Indian team management decided to rest the two senior-most players -- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma -- didn't go down well with many fans and experts. To make the matters worse, India lost the match to West Indies after only managing to put 181 runs on the board. Seeing the Indian team struggle on Saturday, fans started to target head coach Rahul Dravid on Twitter.

Watch: Sanju Samson Has Got No Clue About WI Star's Spin, Gets Out Cheaply In 2nd ODI

Indian team management's decision to rest skipper Rohit Sharma and premier batter Virat Kohli badly backfired as none of the World Cup hopefuls could cope with the pace, bounce and turn against the West Indies, managing a dismal 180 in 40.5 overs in the rain-hit second ODI on Saturday. Losing five wickets for 23 runs in just 7.2 overs after an opening stand of 90 between Ishan Kishan (55 off 55 balls) and Shubman Gill (34 off 49 balls) became India's undoing after the West Indies skipper Shai Hope opted to bowl.

Why Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Didn't Play 2nd ODI? Rahul Dravid Gives Intriguing Explanation

Hoping to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, Team India suffered a shocking loss to West Indies in the second ODI on Saturday. After opting to bat, India stand-in captain Hardik Pandya opted to bat, with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested. Sanju Samson was added into the XI, but failed to make a mark as India were bowled out for 181 in 40.5 overs. Ishan Kishan (55) and Shubman Gill (34) added 90 runs for the first wicket, before the visitors suffered a batting collapse.

Watch: Rested Virat Kohli Turns 'Water Boy' For Team India vs West Indies. Internet In Awe

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.

Wasim Jaffer's 'Pathaan' Twist To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Not Playing 2nd ODI vs West Indies

As Hardik Pandya came out at the toss for the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados, there was anticipation in the air. The stand-in captain then clarified that indeed Rohit Sharma was not playing along with Virat Kohli. India managed to clinch the first match after facing a few challenges. Ishan Kishan performed exceptionally well with the bat to help India chase down a total of 114. The visitors would be keen to clinch the series with a second consecutive win.

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Rohit Sharma Sport News

Sanju Samson 'Reluctant Wicket-keeper': Ex-BCCI Selector's "Not Too Harsh" Dig

#SackDravid Trends On Twitter After India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Gamble Backfires In 2nd ODI

Watch: Sanju Samson Has Got No Clue About WI Star's Spin, Gets Out Cheaply In 2nd ODI

Why Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Didn't Play 2nd ODI? Rahul Dravid Gives Intriguing Explanation

Watch: Rested Virat Kohli Turns 'Water Boy' For Team India vs West Indies. Internet In Awe

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

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

Wasim Jaffer's 'Pathaan' Twist To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Not Playing 2nd ODI vs West Indies