Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team started their journey in ICC Test Championship with a resounding 318-run win over West Indies in the first of the two-match Test series in Antigua on Sunday (August 25). The victory was set up by Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and skipper Kohli before Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 7 demolished the Caribbean line-up in pursuit of 419 on day four.
However, some cricket fans remained unimpressed and criticised Kohli for ignoring limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma from the playing XI. Rohit was overlooked for Hanuma Vihari, who slammed a career-best 93 in the second innings.
Kohli was asked about the team combination and backed his decision to give a chance to Vihari due to his off-spin.
In the post-match presentation, the 30-year-old stated, “Vihari got a nod because the combination is important. He’s an effective part-time bowler and helps us when we need to catch up with the over-rate. We have a group discussion and then we decide what’s best for the team. There will always be opinions about the XI, but people will know that it’s in the interest of the team.”
India were in a spot of bother in the first innings before Rahane and Jadeja’s half-centuries and lower-order’s resistance took them to 297 all-out. In return, Windies faltered for 222 as Indian bowlers were led by Ishant’s five-for. In the second essay, Rahane scored his tenth Test century and was well supported by Kohli (51) and Vihari (93) as India gave a mammoth 419-run target to the hosts.
The second and final Test will commence from August 30 in Sabina Park, Jamiaca.
