Following the Test series victory, the Indian cricket team also won the 1st ODI game of the India tour of West Indies 2023. Notably, the victory restricted India from registering their hat-trick defeat in the ODI format.
Rohit on 1st ODI Victory in WI Tour 2023; Praised Bowlers
During the India tour of West Indies 2023, a total of 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is have been scheduled to play between July 12 – August 13. India who had the upper hand in the Test series won the 2-match series after the final test resulted in a draw.
Ahead of the match start, BCCI rested their prime bowler Mohammed Siraj on focusing the workload management for the ODI World Cup 2023. India won the toss and opted to bowl first.
West Indies batters struggle to face the Indian bowlers and start to lose their wickets at regular intervals. The return of Kuldeep Yadav boosts the Indian bowling attack, where the left-arm chinaman bagged his 12th ODI 4-wicket haul.
India sacked the hosts for 114 runs in 23 overs while India chased the target in 22.5 overs after losing 5 wickets.
Speaking on the 1st ODI victory against West Indies, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said: “I never thought the pitch would play like that, it was the team’s need to bowl first and have a score. The pitch had everything for the seamers and spinners, our guys did well to restrict them to that score”
Rohit also explains the reason for the change in the batting order. Rohit who usually opens the innings came at no.7 while Indian prime batter Virat Kohli has never walked out to bat.
“We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in, we will keep trying those things whenever possible. To restrict them to 115, we knew we could try these guys and give them a go. I don’t think they’ll get many chances like this. I made my debut for India and was batting at number 7, reminded me of those days”, he added.
Rohit Sharma went on to praise debutant Mukesh Kumar who bagged his first ODI debut by dismissing Alick Athanaze for 22 runs. Notably, Alick Athanaze was also his first test debut wicket.
“Mukesh was brilliant, he can swing the ball at a good pace. Good to see what he can offer, haven’t seen him much in domestic cricket. No matter the conditions, we need to bowl in the right areas to restrict them and I thought our bowlers did brilliantly. And then Ishan was good with the bat as well”, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said.
The second ODI game of the India tour of West Indies 2023 will be played on July 29 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. West Indies needs to win the game to stay alive in the 3-match ODI series, while a victory will seal the trophy for India.
