IND v WI 2022: India Very Tough To Beat At Home - Ajit Agarkar Predicts Scoreline Of The ODI Series

Former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar termed India nearly unbeatable at home ahead of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, which begins on February 6^th with all the three matches to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, behind closed doors.

Agarkar spoke about the upcoming ODI series between India and West Indies on the Star Sports show Game Plan and predicted the scoreline for the three matches, giving India the edge by 2-1.

“India is very tough to beat at home. With Rohit Sharma coming back a lot fresher, India will start favorites, there is no doubt, especially in the ODI series. I think it will be difficult for the West Indies in the ODIs, maybe 2-1.

I know there are a lot of different bowlers picked and some of them have been rested, who will certainly be part of that team. The batting positions need to be cemented, wherever they are going to bat,” Agarkar said.

The first ODI will be played on February 6, while the second and third matches will be played on February 9 and 11 respectively.

Ajit Agarkar Cites Example Of KL Rahul To Explain Lack Of Clarity In Indian Team’s Plans In Batting Order

Agarkar was also sharing his opinion on the Indian team’s plans for their batting order when it comes to the one-day international cricket and pointed out the lack of any planning by citing the example of KL Rahul, the new white-ball vice-captain.

Rahul spent the last 2 years batting in the middle order at no.5 and recently had to open the innings against South Africa in absence of new ODI and T20I captain Rohit Sharma. However, there was no word from the team management, whether Rahul will continue to open the innings or move back to the middle-order once Rohit Sharma returns for the West Indies series.

“Whether Rahul is going to come in the middle, then he has to stay in the middle for me over the course of the next year and a half, as you approach that World Cup. So that clarity has to be there because at the moment, there are some gaps from that four, five and six – which you need some firepower in those positions,” Agarkar pointed out.

KL Rahul is expected to go back to the middle order with Rohit opening the innings with Shikhar Dhawan. However, Dhawan and backup opener Ruturaj Gaikwad have tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Ahmedabad, while BCCI added Mayank Agarwal as a backup to the Indian squad.

He might open with Rohit Sharma in the first ODI, which KL Rahul is slated to miss in order to attend his sister’s wedding.

Also Read: 1st ODI Between India And West Indies Could Be Pushed Forward If More Players Test Covid Positive – Reports