In a recent development during the WI vs IND 2023 ODI series, the decision to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has sparked a considerable response from former cricketer Pragyan Ojha.
He expressed his views on the intention behind giving them rest, stating that the purpose for which they were rested did not materialize. The absence of these two stalwarts in the team had a significant impact on the middle-order batting, leading to a considerable downfall.
During the ODI series against West Indies, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not included in the playing XI for the first two matches. In the subsequent game as well, they were not part of the playing eleven and were given rest. This decision faced criticism, as it affected the team’s performance on the field.
According to Pragyan Ojha, the team management aimed to provide an opportunity for other players to prove themselves, but unfortunately, no one could stand up to the expectations. He emphasized that young players should have capitalized on this chance to showcase their talent.
During an interview with Times of India, he said, “When you play a 50-over game, it becomes essential to pace your innings. Without Rohit and Virat, the middle-order crumbled. The team wanted to rest the think-tank of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but it did not yield any positive results.”
With the World Cup approaching, the team is giving chances to new players. In such a scenario, these youngsters should make the most of the opportunities they receive. They need to understand how to pace their innings and address these shortcomings as quickly as possible. This way, when the need arises, they can confidently take up responsibilities in the absence of senior players.