Despite a dismal bowling performance in the opening encounter, India have retained Shardul Thakur in their playing XI for second ODI against New Zealand in Auckland and the netizens are certainly not happy about the fact. The right-arm pacer gave away 80 runs from nine overs in the previous game due to which Blackcaps chased down a mammoth-looking total of 348 runs and registered a four-wicket win. Many speculated that Thakur might get dropped for the second ODI and will be replaced by Navdeep Saini. However, the latter did come in the side but in place of Mohammed Shami. New Zealand Vs India, Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match.
During the toss, skipper Virat Kohli mentioned that Shami has been rested, keeping the upcoming two-match Test series in mind. So, that might have been the main reason why Thakur is included in the line-up again. However, the fans are still not happy as the fast bowler is accused of leaking runs at the crunch moments of the game. Well, Thakur must be under the pump of performing well and he will be eyeing to make this opportunity count. Meanwhile, let’s look at how netizens reacted on Thakur retaining his side in the playing XI.
Fans Not Happy!!
Why do think Shardul thakur is still in the team?? His performance is not so good and there are bowlers like Deepak Chahar who can be replaced. What do you think experts?? @StarSportsTamil #staraikelungal
— Ashwin:) (@Ashwin16709511) February 8, 2020
Sarcasm Here!!
Yes, I sacrifice my health so that I could watch Shardul Thakur early morning. #nzvind
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 8, 2020
Some Memes Too!!
After seeing shardul Thakur is playing and Shami is not in playing X1 #NZvsIND pic.twitter.com/68X2GAlPD8
— Wazzu (@Washersrkian11) February 8, 2020
Gone Too Far!!
Breaking : Virat Kohli said that he will celebrate this year's Valentine's Day with Shardul Thakur 💕 #NZvIND #NZvsIND #ShardulThakur pic.twitter.com/bv6bfRLy1I
— Come On India 🙏🇮🇳 (@madam_jadeja) February 8, 2020
Another One!!
Thalapathi Anand #staraikelungal
Hi Ramesh, why umesh not picked in one day side, if shardul thakur giving opportunity because of having bowling cum bat hitting skill. Umesh also have best bat hitting skill, need ur opinion stars
— indrathi anandhan (@indrathi) February 8, 2020
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bowl. Other than Saini replacing Shami, India have also included Yuzvendra Chahal in their line-up, replacing Kuldeep Yadav. For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson and Mark Chapman are inducted in the side in place of Mitchell Santner and Scott Kuggeleijn. India are already 0-1 down in the three-match series and the second ODI is a do-or-die encounter for them while the Kiwis have the chance the seal the deal with a win in this game.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 08, 2020 08:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).