With India vs West Indies series tied at 1-1, the expectation was that Virat Kohli would be back for the 3rd ODI. However, there is an interesting development. Ex-skipper Kohli has not travelled to Trinidad with the squad for the IND vs WI 3rd ODI. With the match on Tuesday, Kohli is likely to join the squad later in the day. India Cricket Team had an off day on Sunday. They will resume practice today. After missing the 2nd ODI, Rohit Sharma will come back. India lost the 2nd ODI by 5 wickets with Rohit and Virat both missing the game.
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But if Virat Kohli does miss the IND vs WI 3rd ODI, it will be part of the strategy. It won’t be any injury concerns. India head coach Rahul Dravid spoke about the importance of using the matches against West Indies to give chances to others. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson who are still competing for a spot will be the ones to come in.
“Honestly, this was our last chance to try some of our players. We have got four of our players who are injured and are in the NCA. With days to go for the Asia Cup and then World Cup, we are kind of running out of time. We are hoping that some of them will be fit for the Asia Cup and the World Cup. But we can’t take those chances. We have to try out other people. And have to give them chances. So that in worst case scenario, they at least have game time behind them,” Rahul Dravid said after the 2nd ODI.
With the Asia Cup 2023 squad announcement deadline on August 15, the IND vs WI 3rd ODI will be the last ODI before the mega event. Hence, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson will have one final ODI to prove themselves and earn selectors’ trust.
Ishan Kishan has already sealed the backup opener and backup keeper’s slot.
As for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both will be on a two-week break following the West Indies series. The star duo is not part of the IND vs WI T20s or India vs Ireland T20s. They will instead join a camp at the NCA around August 14.
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