Why Virat Kohli Not Playing 2nd ODI West Indies vs. India?

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In the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the second ODI against the West Indies, Hardik Pandya captained the Indian squad.

India vs. West Indies, second ODI, 2023 Live Results: Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill put on a powerful 90-run opening stand, but India has since lost control of the match. Play in Barbados was suspended due to rain when the Men in Blue lost half of their team with just 113 on the board after 24.1 overs. Gill was the first player to leave the game against Gudakesh Motie for 34(49). Ishan Kishan was then sent back for a run-a-ball 55 after Alick Athanaze snagged a blinder. Romario Shepherd then dismissed Axar Patel for one. Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya both failed to reach single digit scores in consecutive deliveries.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian XI, are absent due to rest. The replacement captain has been announced as Hardik Pandya.

Ahead of major competitions like the Asia Cup and the World Cup, team management may be looking to test other players by saying, “It’s just that there are few questions that need to be answered,” as Hardik seemed to imply.

“Virat (Kohli) and Ro (Rohit Sharma) have been playing cricket nonstop. For this game, we believed they should relax so they would be rested for the third ODI. So, that’s it; they’re taking a break while ensuring that the other guys have their chance, continued Hardik.
Since the beginning of the year, Rohit and Kohli have both been traveling. They first competed in ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand before taking part in a four-match Test series and ODIs against Australia. Following the international season, the pair changed to their respective franchise colors and participated in all of their respective franchise games in the 2023 Indian Premier League.

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In June, Rohit captained the Indian team with Kohli also featuring in the all-important final of the World Test Championship. Team India did, however, enjoy a month away from action before returning in the West Indies tour, taking part in two Tests before the ODI series.

Hardik further revealed that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and all-rounder Axar Patel replaced Rohit and Kohli respectively for the second match in Barbados. India are leading the three-match series 1-0, registering a convincing five-wicket win at the same venue earlier this week. Earlier, India won the Test series 1-0 as well, with the second match ending in a draw after the final day’s play was washed out in Port of Spain.

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