Xtratime Web Desk: Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly praised Indian batting duob Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their impressive show in the first ODI against West Indies in Guwahati.
Ganguly wrote, “It was a Rohit-Virat show all the way in Guwahati and I believe that the pattern will more or less be the same in most of the matches against the West Indies. Considering the bowling they will face, the Indian batters will continue to display brilliant strokeplay against the visitors wherever they play. So another run-feast should be on the cards at Vizag.” In his column for the Times of India.
Kohli is just 81 runs short of becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 ODI runs.
“With 300-plus on the board, one expected the Windies to come hard at the Indians, especially with Shikhar Dhawan departing early. But Virat had other thoughts in mind. From the word go, he looked set. Some of the shots he played were breathtaking. Rohit picked up the cue from him and the two of them just tore apart the opposition bowling. On a good batting track, where the ball was coming on to the bat, the stroke-play displayed by two the best ODI players in the world was not only pleasing to the eye,” Ganguly added.
Kohli and Rohi put on 246 runs partnership as the skipper made 140 and Rohit made unbeaten 152. India chased 323 runs successfully with 47 balls to spare and Ganguly called on the Indian selectors to give Rohit another chance in Tests.
“Detractors may try and make a point about how the bowling was listless, but they need to be reminded that the range of strokes displayed by Virat and Rohit is a testimony to their talent and it should be a threat to any bowling attack across the world. It is also time the selectors gave Rohit a go in Tests. He is at his best and mentally seems to be in a terrific space. On their day, these two boys can run away with a game single-handedly,” Ganguly opined.
“Virat and Rohit’s domination didn’t leave much space for the others to make a mark. Rayudu is the new No. 4 for India and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up. There is still some time to go for the 2019 World Cup and I feel that there are still a few players that need to be checked out. Lokesh Rahul is one such player,” Ganguly wrote.
Ganguly questioned the Windies selection process pointing out the absence of Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, and Andre Russell.
“As for the West Indies, they seem to be having a selection dilemma. Why aren’t Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, and Andre Russell part of the ODI squad? Shimron Hetmyer looked good but with these players also added, it could be a formidable ODI squad,” Ganguly signed off.