IND vs WI: Rohit Sharma Defends His Decision Of Giving Avesh Khan Final Over Instead Of Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Team India captain Rohit Sharma chose Avesh Khan over the seasoned Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had two overs remaining in his quota, when West Indies needed 10 runs in the last over. 

Devon Thomas smashed Avesh Khan for a six-over deep extra cover and a boundary past the point to help West Indies win the second game by five wickets after Avesh Khan began the over with a no-ball. 

With Tuesday’s third game remaining in Basseterre, the five-match series is tied at one game each.

Avesh Khan And Arshdeep Singh Needs Backing And Opportunity

Rohit Sharma justified only handing primary striker bowler Kumar two overs, both during the powerplay, in the post-game news conference. 

“We know Bhuvneshwar, what he brings to the table, but if you don’t give the opportunity to Avesh or Arshdeep (Singh) you will never find out what it means to bowl at the death for India,” Sharma said.  

“They have done it in the IPL. (This is) just one game, those guys don’t need to panic. They need backing and opportunity.”  

Obed McCoy, a left-arm paceman, destroyed a star-studded Indian batting lineup with spectacular 6 for 17 career-best statistics. After being placed into the batting order, McCoy destroyed India in his two stints, causing them to be dismissed for 138 runs in 19.4 overs on Monday. 

The West Indies batsmen had little trouble reaching the goal when opening batsman Brandon King hammered 68 off 52 balls. However, the hosts faltered in the latter stages until Devon Thomas’ unbeaten 31 off 19 balls clinched the victory for his team. 

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