WI vs IND: Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad Not Playing India vs West Indies 2nd ODI? Check India Playing XI

The Indian team have once again not included top-order batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad in their playing 11 for the second ODI match against West Indies being hosted at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Men in Blue will surely be feeling very much confident especially after a convincing 5-wicket victory against West Indies in the first ODI encounter. India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

WI vs IND: Why is Ruturaj Gaikwad Not Playing India vs West Indies 2nd ODI?

During the toss, it was noted that Ruturaj Gaikwad once again misses out from the India playing 11 for this WI vs IND 2nd ODI match. Although, the visitors have rested both their senior players, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but still the Gaikwad will be warming the bench. It is an important opportunity for the duo of Axar Patel and Sanju Samson to showcase their skills in the second ODI against West Indies. On the other hand, Ruturaj has played only one ODI match for India so far where he was able to score just 19 runs against South Africa in 2022. He might get an opportunity in the third and final ODI match in the Caribbean.

“We were looking to bat first. We want to see how much we can score on this pitch which is a bit up and down. Rohit and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so they are resting in this game. They can be fresh for the third ODI. I think when you get someone out for 115, it’s a good effort from the bowlers. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Instead of losing five wickets, we could have lost only two wickets and finished the last game. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel come in for Rohit and Virat,” said India stand-in captain Hardik Pandya during the toss.

IND Playing XI

1. Ishan Kishan
2. Shubman Gill
3. Sanju Samson
4. Suryakumar Yadav
5. Axar Patel
6. Hardik Pandya (C)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Mukesh Kumar
11. Umran Malik

WI vs IND 2023 Schedule