When Virat Kohli rested during the second ODI against the West Indies, he became a water boy

It doesn’t happen often that a modern-day batting great like Virat Kohli is benched for an international match before becoming a water boy.

One such unusual occurrence occurred during the second One-Day International between India and West Indies on Saturday, when both the star Indian batsman and regular skipper Rohit Sharma were rested.

The team management gave Sanju Samson and Axar Patel opportunity to test out their bench strength as the ICC World Cup 2023 draws near. The alterations to the playing XI, however, had no impact as India was bowled out for 181 in 40.2 overs and lost by six wickets.

Yuzvendra Chahal, who has yet to play a game on this tour, arrived on the pitch beside Kohli as a water boy. The former Indian captain, who played a new role for the second ODI, was the center of attention.

The plan to rest Kohli and Rohit by India backfired since none of the World Cup contenders could handle the West Indies’ speed, bounce, and turn. India’s collapse occurred as a result of losing five wickets for 23 runs in only 7.2 overs after a 90-run opening partnership between Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill after West Indies captain Shai Hope decided to bowl.

Although there were two delays due to rain, the West Indies bowlers never let their focus flag.

Brandon King got an easy catch as stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya attempted to pull Jayden Seals after being repeatedly hit by short balls. Axar Patel, who was batting at position number four, received an unplayable pitch from Romario Shepherd that grazed his gloves before making a secure landing in Shai Hope’s hands.

Sanju Samson, on the other hand, once failed to take advantage of the chance that was presented to him when Rohit and Virat were away. After scoring 9 off 19 balls, his vulnerability against leg-break was starkly shown as Yannic Cariah went looking for him.

Coming in at No. 7, Suryakumar Yadav seemed to be in terrific shape and was moving almost run-a-ball. He was overtaken by Gudakesh Motie, who was aiming to up the scoring pace after the West Indies bowlers had held them quiet.