"Getting victimized by the politics of Dravid and Rohit"- Fans slam Indian team management for ignoring Ruturaj Gaikwad for 2nd ODI vs West Indies

Team India management faced the ire of frustrated fans after Ruturaj Gaikwad's name was absent from the playing XI for the second ODI against West Indies. The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, is hosting the contest today (July 29).

India lead the three-match series 1-0, having won the first ODI by five wickets on July 27.

Veteran members of the Indian team Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli decided to sit out of the second ODI. In the absence of regular captain Rohit, vice-captain Hardik Pandya took over the reins for this contest. Axar Patel and Sanju Samson replaced the senior duo in the playing XI.

Fans online were not thrilled after learning that Ruturaj Gaikwad was overlooked once again. They felt that Ruturaj might have been a like-for-like replacement for any one of Rohit and Virat as he is naturally a top-order batter. They slammed the management for not giving him a chance and going with Axar Patel when the XI already had six bowling options.

Here are some of the fans reactions on Twitter on the matter:

What Is The Hatred With Ruturaj Gaikwad ? Why They Are Not Giving Chance To Ruturaj Gaikwad ? pic.twitter.com/SvgOeashzE

Dropped an opener in Rohit Sharma still couldn't give a chance to Ruturaj Gaikwad who is an opener and has been warming the bench continuously since The Test Series 🫡

Bhagwaaaan hai kaha re tu 😫😭
What else a man can do to play for his Country 🇮🇳 if this is not enough. Non deserving are still playing and #RuturajGaikwad
Is still getting victimised by the politics of Dravid and Rohit pic.twitter.com/Rg1opGrkk3" target="_blank" title="tweet-url" rel="noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/Rg1opGrkk3

The wait still continues....... Actually you deserves more ruttu
I Damn sure he will prove in Asian games as a captain & player

#RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/XgnglZhk75

What about Ruturaj 💔
#Rutu #Ruturajgaikwad pic.twitter.com/lpt8ZJG3Qq

This is the Only way for Ruturaj Gaikwad for getting selected in Indian Team

MI lobby. 💔 pic.twitter.com/bi7F7wnXVK

Rohit and Dravid knew that if they give #RuturajGaikwad a chance in this series then he will definitely perform and then their puppies spots will be in danger likes of gill sky ishan
So he can play extra bowler but won't let Ruturaj play
A+ Politics by Dravid and Rohit
👏🏻🙌🏻 Oscar pic.twitter.com/zkcWHtFTzo

No Kohli and Rohit but Ruturaj Gaikwad still benched

Hmm...BCCI☕️ pic.twitter.com/aoiCCW5i7i

WHY NOT RUTURAJ GAIKWAD !!!!!!
What's the Logic by Replacing an Opener and a Number 3 Batsman by an All-rounder and a Middle order Batsman. pic.twitter.com/XNnP4ZzGQ7 twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns…

Ruturaj Gaikwad in this tour🥲 pic.twitter.com/K2PQE1PgmQ

Shubman Gill when Ruturaj Gaikwad brings him drinks today pic.twitter.com/gswq4yzppT

We want to see how much we can score batting first: India captain Hardik Pandya

Speaking after losing the toss, India skipper Hardik Pandya revealed that they were looking to bat first to challenge themselves after chasing in the previous game. He said:

"We were looking to bat first as well, we bowled the last game, and we need to challenge our batters as well. The wicket played a bit up and down the last time, and we want to see how much we can score batting first. Ro and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so, we thought they might rest for this game and be fresh for the 3rd ODI."

He added:

"We are making sure the opportunities are given to the guys. The way we bowled last game was impressive, tremendous bowling effort to get a team out for under 150, but the way we caught some very good catches, that changed the momentum and made sure they didn't get any rhythm."

The Men in Blue will also play a five-match T20 series against West Indies after the third ODI on August 1.