'Annoying!': Fans on Twitter criticise decision to rest Virat Kohli,Rohit Sharma for 2nd ODI

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A section of Indian fans was not too happy about star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being rested for India vs West Indies second ODI with a host of big-ticket events coming up. Hardik Pandya led the side in skipper Rohit's absence.

Pandya said during the toss that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were rested as they have been playing plenty of cricket and also an opportunity to give opportunities to other team members of the squad. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel replaced the veteran duo in the line-up.

"Ro (Rohit Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) have been playing constant cricket. We thought they should rest for this game and be fresh for the third ODI. So, that's just it, they're resting and making sure the opportunity is given to the other guys," said Hardik further.

The decision didn't please too many fans, who took to Twitter to vent their frustration as some also felt that BCCI is conspiring to purposely sideline Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the team in the build-up to the World Cup. Some fans also questioned the logic behind resting the players as they felt the senior players need game time before World Cup, October 5 to November 19 in India.

The criticism turned harsher after the Indian order failed to click during the third ODI. India were down to 133/5 before rain interrupted play while Sanju Samson could only score 9 runs on the day before dismissal.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma didn't play much of a role in the first ODI either as the captain came out to bat as low as seventh while Virat Kohli didn't get to bat at all in a run chase of 115 runs. It was seen as a bizarre call by many fans while some saw it as a light day at work for the duo.