Virat Kohli explains why Rohit Sharma was left out of India’s playing XI in 1st Test vs West Indies in Antigua

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team started their journey in ICC Test Championship with a resounding 318-run win over West Indies in the first of the two-match Test series in Antigua on Sunday (August 25). The victory was set up by Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and skipper Kohli before Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 7 demolished the Caribbean line-up in pursuit of 419 on day four.

While the majority of the Indian fans lauded the team for their splendid effort, some section of them remained unimpressed and criticised Kohli for ignoring limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma from the playing XI. Rohit was included in the Test squad after his retained his place following a series of impressive performances in 2019 World Cup and the limited-overs outing versus the Windies. However, he was overlooked for Hanuma Vihari, who slammed a career-best 93 in the second innings.

Kohli was asked about the team combination and backed his decision to give a chance to Vihari due to his off-spin. In the post-match presentation, the 30-year-old stated, “Vihari got a nod because the combination is important. He’s an effective part-time bowler and helps us when we need to catch up with the over-rate. We have a group discussion and then we decide what’s best for the team. There will always be opinions about the XI, but people will know that it’s in the interest of the team.”

India were in a spot of bother in the first innings before Rahane and Jadeja’s half-centuries and lower-order’s resistance took them to 297 all-out. In return, Windies faltered for 222 as Indian bowlers were led by Ishant’s five-for. In the second essay, Rahane scored his tenth Test century and was well supported by Kohli (51) and Vihari (93) as India gave a mammoth 419-run target to the hosts.

Bumrah, who missed out in the first innings, made amends and rattled the Windies batsmen in a flurry to lead India to victory with a day to spare. Thus, Kohli joined former skipper, MS Dhoni, with most wins as Indian skipper in whites (27). This also became India’s biggest win away from home (in terms of runs) and they will look to whitewash the series in the decider to march ahead in the ICC Test Championship points table. Currently, they are at the top with 60 points.

The second and final Test will commence from August 30 in Sabina Park, Jamiaca.
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