Kohli Explains Why Rohit Was Left Out From Playing XI Against Windies In Antigua Test

Rohit who was included in the Test squad after his retained his place following a series of impressive performances in 2019 World Cup and the limited-overs outing versus the Windies was overlooked for Hanuma Vihari, who slammed a career-best 93 in the second innings.

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team began their World Test Championship campaign on a winning note courtesy a resounding 318-run win over West Indies in the first of the two-match Test series in Antigua on Sunday (August 25). India's clinical victory was set up by a stellar ton from Ajinkya Rahane, valuable contributions by Hanuma Vihari and skipper Kohli and a collective display of fast bowling by the Indian seam attack. Amid all the jubilation for India's spectacular performance in the series opener, a section of the critics were unimpressed and criticised Kohli for ignoring limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma from the playing XI. Rohit who was included in the Test squad after his retained his place following a series of impressive performances in 2019 World Cup and the limited-overs outing versus the Windies was overlooked for Hanuma Vihari, who slammed a career-best 93 in the second innings. When skipper Kohli was posed with the question of why was the Hitman given the snub in the first Test, he defended his decision to give a chance to Vihari due to his off-spin and his allround ability with the willow. In the post-match presentation, the 30-year-old stated, "Vihari got a nod because the combination is important. He’s an effective part-time bowler and helps us when we need to catch up with the over-rate. We have a group discussion and then we decide what’s best for the team. There will always be opinions about the XI, but people will know that it’s in the interest of the team." India were in a spot of bother in the first innings before Rahane and Jadeja's half-centuries and lower-order's resistance took them to 297 all-out. In return, Windies faltered for 222 as Indian bowlers were led by Ishant's five-for. In the second essay, Rahane scored his tenth Test century and was well supported by Kohli (51) and Vihari (93) as India gave a mammoth 419-run target to the hosts.