Twitter Reactions: West Indies stage comeback to level series as India face defeat in absence of star players

West Indies. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The second ODI of the ongoing multi-format series between the West Indies and India saw the hosts stage a brilliant comeback and win their first game of the series after many setbacks. Coming in to bat after losing the toss, the Indian team got off to a good start to the game. 

Openers Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill amassed 55 and 34 runs, respectively. However, after the openers, it was the failure of the top and middle orders that led to the visitors being bundled out for a low total. Sanju Samson scored nine runs, with Axar Patel just scoring one and skipper Hardik Pandya adding seven runs on the board.

Suryakumar Yadav amassed 24 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja scoring 10 and Shardul Thakur being unbeaten at 16 runs. The subpar knocks from the Indian batters saw them being bundled out for just 181 runs, which was reasonable from the West Indies’ perspective. 

Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd impressed in the first innings with the ball, taking three wickets each; their spells were crucial for the West Indies in limiting India’s total. Furthermore, Alzarri Joseph took two wickets, with Jayden Seales and Yannic Cariah striking once each.

Shai Hope’s class helped West Indies secure win

As the Windies came out to chase the target of 182 runs, the hosts got off to a subpar start to the run chase as openers Brandon King and Kyle Mayers were dismissed for 15 and 36 runs, respectively. Furthermore, things went from bad to worse for them after Alick Athanaze was sent packing for just six runs. 

As the side looked to be heading towards another loss, it was the knock of skipper Shai Hope that sealed the victory for them. Amassing 63* runs in 80 deliveries, and with Keacy Carty’s unbeaten knock of 48 runs, the Windies sealed the game, winning it by six wickets and levelling the score. As the third ODI approaches, both the West Indies and India will have a lot to play for, as both sides will look to clinch the series in the final ODI.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the second ODI: 

West Indies keep the series alive, well played 👏🏽 This loss will sting. Now will we see Rohit and Virat back for the decider? And if so, what answers did team management get from just one game? #WIvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 29, 2023

With just over 2 months to go for @cricketworldcup , India have managed to lose an ODI against West Indies – a team that recently lost to Scotland & Netherlands and has not even qualified for the #CWC23 What a shame!!! @BCCI @hardikpandya7 #WIvIND

— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams) July 29, 2023

No point in playing with this intent of experimentations and taking opposition lightly, they deserve this and needed this. They definitely underestimated Windies after first win. #WIvIND

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) July 29, 2023

Just Imagine a match against AUS or ENG, Indian Cricket Team is facing trouble against a team which doesn’t even made qualifiers. #WIvIND #INDvsWI .

What ever may be the position of India, These two legends are the reason for it #RohitSharma ,#ViratKohli
Men behind India 🇮🇳🏏 pic.twitter.com/v80wzl3q3X

— Rohit Sai🥂 (@rohit_sai02) July 29, 2023

Once Some one said : “We have so much talent , we can make two three teams and win any competition.”

Rest is history.#INDvsWI #WIvIND #WIvsIND

— Talha Arshad (@Mtam687) July 29, 2023

😤😤#INDvWI #WIvIND