Indian cricket team recently toured West Indies. A two-match Test series and a three-match ODI series have been played during this tour. In which the Indian cricket team won the Test series by 1-0 and the ODI series by 2-1.
While Rohit Sharma led the Test series and the first match of the ODI series, both him and Virat Kohli were surprisingly absent from the playing XI in the last two ODIs, sparking outrage among cricket fans. However, there’s a specific reason behind this decision – Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Unusual Batting Order
During this tour, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were part of the playing eleven in the first ODI. But Rohit was pushed down the order and came to bat at number seven. While Kohli did not even get a chance to bat.
This left fans questioning why the star players were included in the team when they were not going to be given an opportunity to showcase their skills.
Tactical Shift
The original plan was for both Kohli and Rohit to play all three matches of the series to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup. However, the team management made a tactical shift after receiving fitness reports on Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
On 21st July, the BCCI provided an official update on the fitness progress of several players, including Rahul and Iyer. The update stated that both players had started batting practice and were actively participating in strength and fitness drills.
The medical team was satisfied with their progress, and their fitness drills would be intensified in the coming days.
Preparing Backup Options
Given the uncertain fitness status of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer for the upcoming major tournaments, the team management decided to give them a chance in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies.
This decision allowed them to have backup options ready in case Virat Kohli or Rohit faced any fitness issues during the crucial Asia Cup and the subsequent 2023 World Cup.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: The Importance of Backup
The team management realized that having reliable backup options for key players like Rahul and Iyer was essential for India’s success in major tournaments. If either of the players is unable to recover fully before the Asia Cup, the three-match ODI series against Australia in September would provide them with an opportunity to prove their match fitness ahead of the World Cup.
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Looking Forward
Before the 2023 World Cup, India is set to play a three-match ODI series against Australia from September 22 to 27. The team management intends to use this series to further assess the form and fitness of both Rahul and Iyer and finalize their role in the squad.
Backup Options
As a contingency plan, the team management considers Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson as potential backup options for Rahul and Iyer. Both Yadav and Samson have showcased their talent and prowess in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, making them valuable assets to the team in times of need.
The decision to rest Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the ODI series against West Indies was not a random move. It was a well-thought-out tactical decision based on the fitness progress of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
The team management aims to have reliable backup options ready to ensure India’s success in future tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup. The performance of Rahul, Iyer, and the backup players in the upcoming series against Australia will play a crucial role in shaping the final squad for the prestigious World Cup.
Why were Kohli and Rohit rested during the ODI series?
Kohli and Rohit were rested to give an opportunity to Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who were being considered as potential backup options for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2023 World Cup.
Did Kohli and Rohit’s absence impact the team’s performance?
Despite their absence, Team India managed to secure a series victory against West Indies, showcasing the depth and talent in the squad.
Will Rahul and Iyer be part of the World Cup squad?
The decision will depend on their performance and fitness in the three-match ODI series against Australia preceding the World Cup.
How crucial are backup players in a major tournament?
Backup players provide a safety net in case of injuries or fitness issues, ensuring that the team’s performance does not suffer during critical matches.
Who are the backup options for Rahul and Iyer?
Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are being considered as potential backup options for KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, given their impressive performances in domestic and IPL cricket.