In a rare feat for Indian Cricket, India trounced South Africa on their own soil with all round performance.
Having won the series in the 5th ODI of 6 match series, It is a logical expectation that India would test the bench in the 6th ODI, an unimportant game for India. In not-so-surprising decision (for those who observed Kohli in previous series's) in the unimportant 6th ODI, Virat Kohli decided NOT to give a chance for four players who have been warming bench and played with all his favorites (except Ajinkhya Rahane). Virat Kohli gave chance to only Shardul Thakur resting Bhuvaneshwar Kumar in the 6th ODI. Only Kohli knows why he poured somuch mercy on Shardul! Shardul Thakur proved by grabbing 4 wickets. But there were four confused souls in the Indian dressing room wondering why they were not playing in the 6th ODI.
In that unimportant 6th ODI, as usual Virat Kohli played well and scored yet another century and his 35th. As usual whole media & fans went berserk in praising him.
This is not the first time, Kohli did not give chance to the bench inspite of winning the series with some matches left. Kohli did this in the past too for the reasons known only to him .
Media never questioned
...but was busy praising Virat Kohli
But Why is our independent media not questioning this? Probably they too are scared of him? or they just want be in the bandwagon of media who praise him for TRPs. Some people who simply shout and say "Nation wants know" are also silent on this trivial issue.
Rather Media simply concentrated on Virat Kohli's records.
"India vs South Africa: List of all major records Virat Kohli broke in 6-match ODI series"Virat Kohli should explain
why does Virat Kohli never give a chance to the bench?
Though Virat says it is a collective decision of the management, everyone knows who the boss is. Everyone who knows of Kumble-Kohli rift, can understand it as Virat's decision.
Having failed to understand and this is getting repeated again and again, i think only Virat Kohli can answer these doubts on his decision of repeatedly denying a chance to the bench-warmers in the unimportant matches when series is already won...
Having failed to understand and this is getting repeated again and again, i think only Virat Kohli can answer these doubts on his decision of repeatedly denying a chance to the bench-warmers in the unimportant matches when series is already won...
- Why does Virat Kohli want to win the series with bigger margin than giving all players a chance to play?
- Do Selectors give players Kohli do not want and this is why he does not give chance to some?
- Why do Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Dhoni, Hardik Pandya always play all games though we have extra batsmen & extra keeper in the team?
- Does Virat Kohli want to break the records quickly by letting himself play in all unimportant matches?
- Does Virat Kohli seek personal glory as a player and captain?
- Or is there a pressure from Cornerstone to play all games for endorsement sake?
- Does Virat Kohli realize that he is playing with the careers of the bench-warmers by denying them a chance to prove?
Series in which Virat Kohli did not give a chance to the bench-warmers (though India winning series early) :
- India won the series in 5th ODI in 6 match ODI series.
- In 6th ODI, India made just one chance, included Shardul Thakur for Bhuvaneshwar
- Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami did not get the chance to play in 6th ODI
- After winning 5th ODI, Virat Kohli told that he would certainly want to win the series 5-1. But 5-1 win should not be at expense of others' career. I do not understand how it matters whether 4-2 or 5-1 if you have not given all players a chance.
- I am not sure what is in the mind of Virat Kohli. But the instances of repeatedly not testing the bench is making me to think Virat Kohli is interested in improving personal records both as a batsman and a captain.
The bench-warmers
Australia's tour of India 2017
The bench-warmers
India's tour of Srilanka 2017
The bench-warmer
None, but Ajinkhya Rahane played only 1 match while Virat Kohli played all 5 matches and 2 centuries in the last 2 unimportant matches
England's tour of India 2016-17
The bench-warmers
India tour of Zimbabwe 2013
The bench-warmer
- India won the series in 4th ODI in 5 match ODI series.
- In 5th ODI, India retained all 5 bowlers who played in 4th ODI
- Parvel Rasool is the only player who did not get the chance to play
- It is gross injustice to a player first time selected for the national team and not playing a single game against weaker team despite winning the series early.
Disclaimer: Intention of this blog is to get my doubts answered by the experts, but not to undermine Kohli's records. As a cricket fan, I admire him as player, but not as a Captain. If any data is found to be wrong, please comment. I will correct it.
