Former Indian middle-order batter Hanuma Vihari has asserted that it was a great move to keep the under-fire leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi out of the XI and play the veteran wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the first T20I against the West Indies.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari was satisfied with the Indian team management’s call to go ahead with Kuldeep ahead of Bishnoi, who has been wayward with his bowling lately. Notably, Kuldeep scalped two wickets, conceding 33 runs in his four-over spell.
“We know that batting has always been strong. Bowling is the area of concern. I thought it was a great move to keep him (Bishnoi) out and play Kuldeep. He bowled really well. He has been picked for New Zealand as well and finally they are showing trust on him,” Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
“I thought India bowled exceedingly well in the first T20I. Playing Naman Dhir over Nitish was a brave call. You can say it was good but definitely Nitish and Dube both deserve more chances. But I can understand they are trying out as many all-rounders in rotation,” he added.
Delving into the details of the game, West Indies was tasked with batting first, and they got bundled out for 171 runs in 19.1 overs. Shai Hope (52) and Sherfane Rutherford (56) were the top scorers as Naman Dhir picked up a three-wicket haul.
In the chase, India sealed the deal in just 14.4 overs with eight wickets in hand. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the top batter, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 43 with 10 fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 237.21.
“It was a dominating win by India. Going forward, if West Indies want to compete, they have to win the toss firstly. If they bowl first and restrict India within 200, that is the only way they can win. If they bat first, they have to score 240, otherwise I don’t think they will have a chance,” he said.
The action now shifts to the second T20I on Friday, October 9, in Ranchi.
