New Delhi:
Virat Kohli has enjoyed a tremendous 2018 so far. In Tests, he averages 59 while in ODIs, he averages a jaw-dropping 127 with a strike-rate of 101. The Indian skipper displayed his brilliance when he smashed his 36th century in the first ODI against West Indies at Barsapara. Heading into the second ODI at Vizag, Kohli is on the cusp of a special achievement.
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The right-hander needs 81 runs to become the fastest to reach 10,000 runs in ODIs, a mark previously held by Sachin Tendulkar who achieved it in 259 innings. The feat by Kohli, will truly be remarkable, considering that he could get to the landmark in just his 205th innings. The ADA-VDCA stadium in Vizag is a special venue for the Indian skipper having made scores 118, 117, 99, 65, 167 and 81 in six ODIs.
Brilliant top order
In addition to Kohli’s brilliance, India boast of currently the best top three in the world when it comes to ODIs. Rohit Sharma created a record when he smashed his sixth 150+ score, continuing his great run. Although Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed cheaply in Guwahati, the left-hander is in great form.
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However, India will be keen to test their fragile middle order. Ambati Rayudu, dubbed as the solution for the problematic No.4 slot by Kohli, will be keen to get an extended run. Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni might not get a chance to bat considering the dominance of the top three.
Bowling woes
In the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowling lacked a bit of teeth in containing the opposition. This allowed the likes of Shimron Hetmyer to capitalise and score his third century. Although Yuzvendra Chahal continued his great form, the rest of the bowling leaked runs. India will be hoping to contain the flow of runs, especially in the death overs.
West Indies face uphill task
Apart from Hetmyer’s ton, none of the other batsmen contributed. The bowling was blown away by the likes of Kohli and Rohit. With the West Indies lacking experience in both batting and bowling, they will need to pull off something spectacular if they have to stay alive in the series.
