India, fresh from a resounding victory in the first match, decided to rest stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the second ODI encounter at Barbados. Stepping up to the challenge, Hardik Pandya, donning the captain’s hat, expressed India’s intent to further experiment and test their formidable lineup.
Intriguingly, the second ODI witnessed India introducing the highly-debated inclusion of Sanju Samson and Axar Patel into the lineup. Sanju Samson had been a focal point of discussion leading up to the ODI series, with experts advocating for his rightful place in the side.
With Axar Patel’s addition, India’s spin-bowling attack is looking even more menacing. The previous match at Barbados featured a pitch that displayed inconsistent bounce, posing a challenge to the batters.
However, the conditions for the second ODI might be markedly different, as a fair amount of rain ahead of the match had forced the ground staff to keep the pitch covered. The ensuing moisture on the pitch could potentially make life arduous for the batters.
The first ODI at Barbados witnessed India’s dominance, as they defeated West Indies by five wickets, seizing a 1-0 lead in the series. The visitors, led by the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, showcased a brilliant display, dismantling the home team for a paltry 114 runs in a mere 23 overs. Kuldeep Yadav, unleashed later in the attack, weaved his magic, claiming an impressive 4/6 in just three overs. Jadeja, too, had his moment of glory, securing commendable figures of 3/37.
India’s response to the West Indies‘ modest score was swift and precise, as they reached the target of 115 runs in the 23rd over. The star of the show was Ishan Kishan, who exhibited a scintillating performance with the bat, crafting a brilliant half-century, amassing 52 runs off 46 balls.
Notably, the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the playing 11 during the previous ODI sparked fervent reactions from his fans on Twitter. However, this time, as Sanju earned his rightful place in the lineup, Twitterverse erupted in joy and excitement.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Sanju’s inclusion in the playing 11:
Sanju Samson in the playing 11
But Rohit and virat out 😅
Rohit to ICT fans : pic.twitter.com/YVmbmkmNwW
— 𝐌𝐫. 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐥 (@Nikhil_memes) July 29, 2023
Sanju Samson & Axar Patel replaces Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma in the 2nd ODI . #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/Erf09rgv15
— The rulers (@Therulers753063) July 29, 2023
Sanju samson playing today🥳❤️
— VK ❤️ (@Hum_tum14) July 29, 2023
Sanju Samson Play but Rohit and Virat not play 😴#INDvsWI #SanjuSamson #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/KxwovmWHnH
— Abhi 🚩 (@IG_aabhi_x7) July 29, 2023
This is a big game for Sanju Samson. If he wants to cement his place in Indian team, Should perform today. pic.twitter.com/D7KXNJDmDy
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) July 29, 2023
Finally sanju samson is in playing 11.but no excitment without Rohit and Kohli#SanjuSamson 💕💕
— Janmejay Pathak (@Janmejaypathak0) July 29, 2023
Finally Sanju Samson got the justice 😂 Hope he performs well.
— 👑JASH VEKARIYA 👑 (@Jashvekariya108) July 29, 2023
India’s best ODIs batsman King Sanju Samson is back and finally I can watch Indian cricket 😭🤗😍. #WIvIND #INDvsWI #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/6E3NPjN78e
— Roshmi Samson 🏏 (@Silky_Rosh) July 29, 2023
SANJU SAMSON IS PLAYING pic.twitter.com/j3tf4xfHSs
— Pr𝕏tham. (@77thHundredWhen) July 29, 2023
Finally Sanju Samson getting chance pic.twitter.com/a2sWTXC7zM
— 🎶 (@JayaramaRaaju) July 29, 2023