IND vs WI: Hanuma Vihari Criticizes India's Decision To Rest Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli In 2nd ODI

India National Cricket Team Test batsman Hanuma Vihari has criticized the team management’s decision to rest Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the second ODI against Shai Hope-led West Indies National Cricket Team at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday, July 29.

India have been trying to experiment with their batting order in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies. In the first ODI, Rohit and Kohli were demoted during the 115 run-chase. Although Rohit was forced to bat at No.7 after India lost 5 wickets, Kohli did not bat.

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In the second ODI, captaincy responsibility was handed to Hardik Pandya as both Rohit and Kohli were rested to make way for all-rounder Axar Patel and batsman Sanju Samson.

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Vihari said that India are still not sure about their batting order despite the World Cup being just a few months away.

“It (the changes) shows that India are not sure about the batting order yet. Surya has not performed really well in the ODI format, unlike his performances in the T20Is. So they are looking to get an answer for the middle-order slot if KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer don’t recover. That’s the reason. The changes are evident,” Vihari said.

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I am not a big fan of changes – Hanuma Vihari

The 29-year-old added that he is not a fan of making changes and certain players need to play consistently in the lead-up to the World Cup.

“I am not a big fan (changes). You need certain players playing while running into the World Cup. India are not sure about the batting line-up, it’s very clear,” Vihari told JioCinema on Saturday.

He added that Axar Patel being preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal hints at the all-rounder’s selection over the leg-spinner at World Cup.

“And Axar Patel has been picked ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal. That shows they have lengthened the batting line-up. In the World Cup when the pitches start to turn, they might prefer Axar ahead of Chahal (for 3rd spinner),” he added.

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