“They did not make the same mistake as in South Africa”: Virender Sehwag praises two Indian stars for their ‘great composure’ in the 1st ODI

One of the key concerns that emerged after India’s 3-0 whitewash in South Africa was the middle-order batters’ lack of intent. As Virender Sehwag pointed out following Sunday’s 177-run chase in Ahmedabad, that was not the case in the series opener against West Indies. 

India lost three wickets in quick succession after an impressive start to the chase by Rohit Sharma and young Ishan Kishan, who put on an 84-run stand. The middle order of Suryakumar Yadav and Deepak Hooda stitched a 62-run partnership to help India chase down the target in 28 overs. In an Instagram video posted on his account, Sehwag expressed that he thought West Indies would gain back control after the three quick dismissals of Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, praising Hooda and Suryakumar for not making the mistakes India did when playing South Africa in ODIs last month. “Rohit Sharma has made a solid recovery after missing the South Africa tour. In addition to his captaincy, he also made a significant contribution with the bat,” Sehwag stated.

“It wasn’t a lucky day for Rishabh Pant. Considering India’s inexperienced middle-order, it seemed the West Indies would make a comeback. Deepak Hooda and Suryakumar Yadav showed great composure and ended the game, which we didn’t see from our middle-order and lower middle-order players in South Africa,” Sehwag concluded.