Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja brought some light-hearted moments during the rain-affected second ODI between India and West Indies. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, India’s batting performance was disappointing, and the team could only manage 180 runs in 40.5 overs.

The decision to rest Kohli and Sharma turned out to be a major setback, raising questions about its rationale with only 10 months left before the World Cup. The rain delays didn’t dampen the spirits of the West Indies bowlers, who displayed an impressive performance throughout the match.

Ishan Kishan, though not slated to open during the World Cup, showcased his form with a second successive half-century and strengthened his case for selection as the second wicket-keeper, contingent upon KL Rahul’s fitness. However, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel promoted to maintain the left-right combination, struggled against the short-ball tactics employed by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd.

Moreover, they found it challenging to handle the grip, turn, and bounce generated by spinners Gudakesh Motie and Yannic Cariah. Despite the result, Chahal and Jadeja managed to lighten the mood with their banter during one of the rain interruptions. Their camaraderie brought a smile to the faces of their teammates.

Watch the clip here:

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The absence of Kohli and Sharma left a void in India’s batting lineup, leading to a collapse of five wickets for just 23 runs after a promising opening stand of 90 between Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. West Indies skipper Shai Hope’s decision to bowl after winning the toss proved beneficial for his team as they maintained their intensity throughout the match.

Ishan Kishan’s consistent performances bode well for his chances of securing a spot in the squad, particularly as the second wicket-keeper option behind Rahul. However, the struggles of Samson and Patel left doubts about their readiness for the international stage.

In conclusion, India’s performance in the rain-hit second ODI against West Indies raised concerns about the decision to rest key players like Kohli and Sharma. While Kishan’s form was a positive highlight, other batting hopefuls faced challenges against the West Indies bowlers. Despite the loss, the camaraderie between Chahal and Jadeja brought a moment of joy to the Indian team amid the disappointing outcome.

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