Rohit Sharma’s exclusion for Hanuma Vihari from India’s XI for the first Test of the two-match series against West Indies had raised many eyebrows and captain Virat Kohli was well aware of the talks.  

The 32-year-old Mumbai player had got the nod for the West Indies Test tour on the back of his superb form in white-ball cricket and he had a great chance to make an impression in the five-day format, but India decided to go with Vihari as the middle-order batsman for Antigua Test.

However, Vihari lived up to the expectations with a confident knock of 93 in the second innings along with his 135 runs partnership for the fifth wicket with Ajinkya Rahane helped India to win their first Test of the ICC World Test Championship against West Indies.

Following the Antigua Test, Kohli has explained the reason behind the bold call, saying the decisions to include or exclude players have always been taken keeping in mind the best interests of the side.

Kohli told reporters after the match, “Vihari got a nod because the combination is important. He’s an effective part-time bowler and helps us when we need to catch up with the over-rate. We have a group discussion and then we decide what’s best for the team. There will always be opinions about the XI, but people will know that it’s in the interest of the team.”

The right-hander also said his decisions look all the better when the players stand up and put in performances to justify their selection. He added, “I am taking decisions, yes, but the execution is done by others who raise their hand. We enjoy everyone’s company, and that’s the reason for our success.”

Kohli signed off by saying, “It’s a blessing that I am in a position where I can contribute to the team in more than one way, but nothing is possible without your team. I don’t think the credit can be taken away from the team at all.”

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)