Despite India’s 318-run victory against the West Indies in Antigua, team captain Virat Kohli faced criticisms after he dropped batsman, Rohit Sharma. The top-order batsman was named in the Test squad by the board of selectors after his performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Former Indian cricket team captains Sourav Ganguly and Sunil Gavaskar criticised Kohli for dropping Rohit. He was overlooked for Hanuman Vihari who scored 93 in the second innings of the first Test against the Windies.
Ganguly spoke about Kohli’s team selection, ‘Virat needs to just be a bit more consistent— pick players and give them a bit more consistent opportunities — for them to get that confidence, rhythm, I have said that before’.
The former cricketer also suggested before that Rohit Sharma should serve as the opening batsman in Test cricket matches.
Virat Kohli slammed the criticisms regarding the team combination. He defended his decision for giving Vihari an opportunity.
‘Vihari got a nod because the combination is important. He’s an effective part-time bowler and helps us when we need to catch up with the over-rate. We have a group discussion and then we decide what’s best for the team. There will always be opinions about the XI, but people will know that it’s in the interest of the team’, Kohli defended.
‘I am taking decisions, yes, but the execution is done by others who raise their hand. We enjoy everyone’s company, and that’s the reason for our success’, Kohli said.
‘It’s a blessing that I am in a position where I can contribute to the team in more than one way, but nothing is possible without your team. I don’t think the credit can be taken away from the team at all’, he added.
India will compete against the West Indies in the second Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica. It will begin on August 30 and will conclude on September 3. The Men in Blue has 60 points in the ICC World Test Championship points table. Their fans are now making a bet for the match that will take place in the next 24 hours.