At Vizag, however, where the left-arm fast bowler was neutralised, the Caribbeans conceded 387 runs in 50 overs. In the first ODI, where they had managed to remove Rahul, Rohit and Kohli inside 19 overs, they restricted India to a below-par 287/8. So maybe, West Indies need to shore up their bowling if they want to pull off an upset. The Barabati Stadium pitch is expected to be batting-friendly. But the common template for defeating India in white-ball cricket remains the early dismissals of the big two. Rishabh Pant can be devastating at the death, as the Vizag game would attest. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are the men in form.
INDIA IN WI 2006 SERIES
Over the past six months, in five completed ODIs, twice India had to face situations where both Rohit and Kohli were dismissed cheaply in a match - the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at Old Trafford and the first game of the ongoing series at Chepauk. India usually struggle to recover when Rohit and Kohli get out early. The second ODI at Vizag served as the latest example to how India’s vice-captain in this format could take the game away from the opponents. From West Indies’ perspective, a lot will depend on whether they can dismiss India’s best batsman early.īefore that though, they have to get past Rohit. Kohli just stood, cocked and uncocked his wrists and walloped the fast bowler. Navdeep Saini bowled top pace, in excess of 140kph. During the nets, one shot, a flick off the toes stood out. Even during India’s optional practice session here on Saturday, the intensity the skipper showed was an object lesson to any youngster willing make a career in this game. In fact, West Indies should be wary of a response. But with regards to Kohli, the two single-digit scores were not even minor blips. The India captain got out for four and a golden duck in the first two ODIs. For any team that plays against India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the prize scalps.