Debasis Sen in West Indies
Star Indian batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were the cynosure of all eyes during India’s optional practice session ahead of their Super Eights game against Bangladesh at Sir Viv Richards Stadium here in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday. Much to the surprise of the Indian media contingent, those who have travelled to Antigua for the game, both Kohli and Rohit turned up for the optional practice session, along with Ravindra Jadeja. All three of them have underperformed so far with the bat at the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Kohli and Jadeja walked in first at the nets. They were given throwdowns by Nuwan Seneviratne, Dayanand Gharami and batting coach Vikram Rathour. There were a couple of young local bowlers as well – a leggie and a left-arm spinner. Both Kohli and Jadeja batted for almost 40 minutes before Rohit and Sanju Samson went in.
There is a possibility that the cricketer from Kerala may get the nod ahead of a struggling Shivam Dube. Sanju looked confident at the nets as he played some attacking shots. The India captain, though, was not at his fluent best, missing a few balls.
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Both Kohli and Rohit were seen playing big shots towards the end of the nets session. Kohli would like to regain his run-scorong mojo against Bangladesh ahead of India’s crucial Super Eights clash against Australia in Saint Lucia on Monday. So far, Kohli has posted only one double-digit score in this tournament.
Meanwhile the Indian team reached Antigua around 12 noon from Barbados by a charter flight. The flight was delayed because of logistical reason. Understandably, most of the players were given a day off. They, however, did go through routine gym and pool sessions.
The Men in Blue will take on Bangladesh who started the Super Eights campaign with a loss against Australia at the same venue on Thursday. Najmul Hossain Shanto and his boys had a complete rest day on Friday. Talking about the weather, it is going to be mostly sunny throughout the day with 40 percent chances of showers. There is forecast of thundershowers, but it will rather be passing showers.
As far as the playing combination is concerned, it is very likely that the Indian team will make one change, with Sanju replacing Dube. The game will start at 10:30 am Eastern Caribbean Time. (8 pm IST).
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