In the second ODI of the three-match series, West Indies defeated India by six wickets at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday. The hosts successfully chased down the target of 182 runs in 36.4 overs, with captain Shai Hope (63 runs off 80 balls) and Keacy Carty (48 off 65 deliveries) leading the way with unbeaten knocks. India’s Shardul Thakur claimed three wickets in the match.
Head coach Rahul Dravid defended India’s decision to rest skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for this match. He explained that with the upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup, the team needed to focus on the bigger picture and manage injuries. Dravid also indicated that a similar strategy might be followed for future team selections.
India’s batting struggled in the absence of Rohit and Virat, as they were bowled out for 181 runs in 40.5 overs, with Ishan Kishan being the top scorer with 55 runs off 55 balls. West Indies bowlers Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd took three wickets each to contribute to India’s downfall.
The result marked a significant victory for the West Indies, ending their 55-month losing streak against India (a nine-game losing streak). Their last ODI victory against India dates back to December 2019, when they won by eight wickets in Chennai.
Looking ahead to the third and final ODI, which will also decide the series winner, India’s stand-in captain, Hardik Pandya, expressed optimism. He mentioned that both teams would face a tough challenge, and the match would be exciting for players and viewers alike.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to return to the playing XI for the crucial match, aiming to clinch the series and maintain their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Pandya emphasized the importance of a steady and determined approach, comparing it to being a “turtle” rather than a “rabbit” during this critical phase.
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