IND vs WI: Here's why West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard is not playing the second ODI

West Indies are without the services of their regular skipper Kieron Pollard in the second ODI against India at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Nicholas Pooran has taken over the reins in his absence and it would be interesting to see how the southpaw embraces the leadership challenge. Meanwhile, Pooran, during the toss, revealed that Pollard is out due to a niggle and all-rounder Odean Smith has come in his place.

Meanwhile, West Indies suffered a six-wicket defeat in the opening game and are 0-1 down in the three-match series. Hence, they stand in a do-or-die fixture. Fortunately for West Indies, the coin landed in their favour and Pooran elected to bowl first as the batting conditions had eased out in evening during the previous game.

Odean Smith replaces Kieron Pollard for second ODI

“We will bowl first. Kieron isn’t fit enough, has a niggle. We’re staying in the present, the goal is to play a good brand of cricket, for the entire duration of the game. Just one change for us – Odean Smith is in,” said Pooran during the toss.

As far as the Indian team is concerned, KL Rahul, on expected lines, has replaced Ishan Kishan. Skipper Rohit Sharma admitted he would have liked to bowl first as well. However, he backed his team to put up a formidable score on the board.

“It’s going to be a challenging one, we always wanted to bat first, put the score on the board and today gives us a chance. We’re not thinking too far ahead at the moment, if we do the things right, we will always do well and get the runs on the board. One change for us – KL Rahul comes back in place of Ishan Kishan,” said Rohit.

India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna

West Indies Playing XI: Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c), Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach