India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, defended the team management’s decision to rest skipper Rohit Sharma and experienced batter Virat Kohli for the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados last Saturday. Despite the move, the West Indies secured a six-wicket victory, leveling the series at 1-1 before the decisive match in Tarouba.

Addressing the media after the defeat, Dravid explained the rationale behind the selection strategy. He emphasized the need to assess the capabilities of fringe players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later in the year.

“We had the last chance to try out some of our players,” Dravid said. “With injuries to some players currently in the NCA, we are running out of time before the Asia Cup. We can’t take any chances and have to give others opportunities to play.”

He further highlighted the challenging batting conditions in Bridgetown and expressed the team’s need for players to anchor the innings until the end. Despite Ishan Kishan’s impressive half-century at the top of the order, Samson and Suryakumar couldn’t capitalize on their chances.

While the decision to rest key players may have raised eyebrows, Dravid emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to other players and assessing their potential for crucial upcoming tournaments.