Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, are currently playing in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series against West Indies, in Ahmedabad. It is important to mention that this is Indian team’s 1000th ODI match and it also marks the start of Rohit Sharma’s stint as the permanent captain of the ODI team.
Black armband
In another significant development, Indian cricket players were seen wearing black armbands during the game and the reason was revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The players were seen wearing black armbands in order to “pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji,” the BCCI said on Twitter.
“The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji who left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning. The queen of melody, Lata didi loved cricket, always supported the game, and backed Team India,” tweeted BCCI.
Legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar died in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92. Lata Mangeshkar, a recipient of Bharat Ratna was taken to intensive care unit last month after being tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
Indian team bowl first
In the match, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first in the first ODI against West Indies. Deepak Hooda became the 243rd ODI player for India as he made his debut in this format of the game.
Indian team would be eager to forget the painful 3-0 loss against South Africa in the last ODI series and start the West Indies series on a positive note.
A lot of speculations had taken place regarding the opening position’s slot as Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. The situation became a little tricky as KL Rahul was unavailable for the second ODI due to his personal reasons. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad but due to his quarantine he was unavailable as well.
Speaking in a press conference, skipper Rohit revealed that Ishan Kishan will open the Indian batting along with him in the first ODI of the series.
