Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)
India flamboyant batter Virat Kohli is likely to be rested for the third and final ODI match against West Indies. It is understood that the former India skipper did not travel with the squad to Trinidad for the series decider and could likely warm the bench for the match.
As per reports, no official confirmation has been made on the regard if Kohli will make the cut in the XI keeping in mind that he has not travelled with the side. It is worth mentioning that the think tank decided to drop senior cricketers Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma in the second ODI following a comfortable win in the first ODI.
Will Virat Kohli be rested tomorrow? He didn’t travel with team to Trinidad yesterday? No confirmation if he will join the team today. In all fairness Surya and Sanju should get 1 more game and Virat gains nothing playing this series. #IndvWI
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) July 31, 2023
However, the move seemed to backfire as the Men in Blue endured a humiliating defeat in the second ODI. In the process, West Indies got on level terms in the three-match ODI series.
It is worth mentioning that the Windies won their first ODI match against the Men in Blue since 2019, after nine losses on the trot. Notably, team India got bundled out for just 181 runs in the second ODI in Bridgetown, Barbados. While Ishan Kishan got 55 runs, Shubman Gill managed to score 34 off 49 balls whereas the rest of the batting unit failed to contribute with vital knocks.
During the chase, skipper Shai Hope played an unbeaten knock of 63 off 80 balls which featured two fours and as many sixes to help his side get back on level terms with India in the three-match series. Samson couldn’t make a mark in the 2nd ODI where he got a chance.
Team India could likely back Samson for the third and final ODI match and bring back the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma. The two sides will lock horns at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, on Tuesday, August 1. Team India will look to make a resounding comeback in the final match before turning their attention toward the five T20Is.