India thrashed West Indies in the first One Day International on Sunday, February 6. Rohit Sharma made his debut as a skipper in this match, and there were several positives for the winning side. In spite of the disappointment of Virat Kohli not being able to make a mark with the bat, the former skipper made his presence felt on the field during India’s fielding. Furthermore, Rohit and Kohli’s on-field chemistry was a delight to watch. In addition to discussing the field placements and managing the bowling attack, Kohli also assisted Rohit in taking a successful DRS review.
The team’s captain, Rohit, didn’t hold Kohli back from being his usual self despite taking control of the team. Chahal bowled Shamarh Brooks, and he was caught behind. Despite the appeal by the men in blue, the on-field umpire ruled the ball not out. Kohli came running in and convinced the captain to take the review when Rohit asked wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant about the edge. He was heard saying, “Mere hisaab se out hai” (In my opinion, it is out). In the end, Rohit took the review, and it was announced in Indian favor. With regards to DRS, India had a great day as they got it right three times when the West Indies batted.
The former Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja said that a player as flamboyant as Kohli should continue in his approach. Kohli’s exit from captaincy is not a reason to write him off because he had leadership qualities even as a player with the U-19 Indian team. “Sport is an instinctive thing,” Jadeja told Cricbuzz of Kohli’s on-field performance during the 1st ODI against West Indies. It won’t matter whether you’re the captain or not; you will act the same way regardless.” The former cricketer stated that Kohli wasn’t just a backbencher who became the captain, he had the leadership qualities even if he wasn’t the captain. “After India won the 2011 World Cup, no one asked Virat to carry Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders,” he added.
