Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed they want to try everything possible before the ODI World Cup after electing to field first in the first ODI against the West Indies at Barbados. The visitors gave debut ODI cap to Mukesh Kumar, who became the 251st Indian player in the 50-overs format.
Meanwhile, India has a handful of ODI matches before they begin their World Cup campaign in their own conditions and they will be looking to make the most of them. Rohit revealed he wants to try a few things and give opportunities to the young players before the ODI showpiece.
India decided to play Ishan Kishan ahead of Sanju Samson in the first ODI. Furthermore, Rohit opened the bowling attack with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who rewarded his skipper with an early wicket of Kyle Mayers. In fact, the Windies lost three early wickets after Rohit decided to bowl first.
“We are gonna field first. No particular reason. We wanted to try few things and see where we are as a team,” Rohit said at the toss.
“Keeping that in mind we want to head into the World Cup with a clear mind and we have few games before that. Result is also important and we want to try out some new things without compromising the result. All cricketers around the world need to keep this mind and take it forward,” the India captain explained.
Meanwhile, the youngsters will be looking to prove their mettle in the ODI series against a depleted West Indies team in order to make a case for themselves in the ODI World Cup.
India will look to get their playing combination right, before the quadrennial event begins on October 5. The Men in Blue will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.
