India vs West Indies: There won’t be drastic changes in playing XI, says Rohit Sharma | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: After India’s resounding triumph in the first Test against the West Indies, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has announced that there will be no major shake-ups in the winning combination for the upcoming second Test. However, he acknowledged that the ever-changing weather conditions at the Queens Park Oval have hindered the team’s ability to gain a clear understanding of the playing surface.
In a refreshing move, Rohit Sharma had earlier revealed the inclusion of debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal and a change in Shubman Gill‘s batting position, injecting new vigour into the team’s lineup.
“In Dominica, we had a clear idea when we saw the pitch and knew the conditions. Here we don’t have clarity as there is talk of rain, but I don’t think there will be drastic changes. But whatever conditions are available, based on that, we will make that decision,” Rohit said, expressing the challenges faced in gauging the pitch due to the uncertain weather.The first Test saw India secure an emphatic victory, with an innings and 141-run margin against the West Indies. Breaking away from traditional norms, Rohit Sharma’s bold decisions paid off handsomely in the series opener.
While refraining from naming any players, it’s evident that the left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat might come under scrutiny for his relatively lacklustre performance compared to the more potent bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur.

As a new ball bowler, Jaydev Unadkat only bowled nine overs across two innings, with a mere two overs in the second innings. His position in the playing XI for the second Test remains uncertain.
The Indian team management now faces the dilemma of selecting the ideal bowling combination, especially if overcast conditions persist. The inclusion of a third spinner, such as Axar Patel, could add to the woes of the West Indian batsmen. Alternatively, Mukesh Kumar’s incisive swing bowling might be favoured if weather conditions prove favourable.
Reflecting on the impressive performance of debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a remarkable century in the first Test, Rohit Sharma emphasised the significance of a seamless transition in Indian cricket. The skipper believes that nurturing young talents is crucial for the future of Indian cricket.

“Transition has to happen, whether today or tomorrow but I am happy that our boys who are coming in are doing well. And our role is important as we have to give them role clarity. Now it’s up to them how they want to prepare and perform for the team,” Rohit Sharma asserted, highlighting the role of senior players in guiding the emerging talents.
As India and the West Indies gear up for their 100th Test match encounter, the anticipation among cricket enthusiasts is palpable. Rohit Sharma expressed his honour in leading the Indian team on this momentous occasion, acknowledging the rich history of fierce cricketing rivalries between the two nations.
“It’s an honour to be taking the Indian team into this game and it doesn’t happen every day. The two teams have so much history, so much good cricket played. I expect no difference in this Test. I am sure they (Windies) will bounce back, and it will be exciting for both teams,” Rohit Sharma said, anticipating a fierce battle in the historic Test match.
(With inputs from PTI)