• Are you confused over Virat, Rohit's absence in India-West Indies 2nd ODI? Check here

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    Are you confused over Virat, Rohit's absence in India-West Indies 2nd ODI? Check here
    Due to their relentless cricketing schedules during the previous few months, Hardik Pandya said that both Rohit and India's star player, Virat Kohli, were given a much-needed "rest."


    Digital Desk: Team India fans were shocked to learn that Hardik Pandya took charge as the captain in Barbados for the second One-Day International match against the West Indies. This was not the first time Hardik had led the Indian squad; in the first ODI against Australia in March, he was also the captain.

    But considering India was playing in the format for the first time since the ODIs in March, some people were puzzled by Rohit's absence this time.

    Due to their relentless cricketing schedules during the previous few months, Hardik Pandya said that both Rohit and India's star player, Virat Kohli, were given a much-needed "rest."

    “It's just that there are few questions that need to be answered,” Hardik said.

    “Ro (Rohit Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) have been playing constant cricket. We thought they should rest for this game and be fresh for the third ODI. So, that's just it, they're resting and making sure the opportunity is given to the other guys,” Hardik added.
    Since the beginning of the year, Rohit and Kohli have both been on the road playing ODIs against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. 

    Then they played in the ODIs and four-match Test series against Australia. Following the international season, they joined their respective 2023 Indian Premier League franchise teams and participated in all of their franchise games.

    Hardik also disclosed that Rohit and Kohli were replaced for the second game in Barbados by wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and all-rounder Axar Patel, respectively. A decisive five-wicket victory at the same location earlier this week gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.