India hold a commanding 2–0 lead in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with the final fixture scheduled for Saturday, October 3. The series finale between the two teams is set to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, situated in New Chandigarh, which will also be the first men’s ODI to be played at the newly built venue.
India will be without seamer Prasidh Krishna for the third ODI, as he has been ruled out with a left hamstring injury, with Anshul Kamboj replacing him in the squad. They come off a stunning eight-wicket victory in Guwahati, where they chased down a mammoth 406, the second-highest total chased down in ODI history.
Here is India’s Predicted XI for the 3rd ODI vs West Indies:
Top order: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill will once more set out to open the batting for the Indian side. In their record-breaking chase, it was the pair that set the tone for the innings with a mammoth 255-run stand. Rohit scored a brilliant 101 before Gill scored his second double-century in ODI cricket, finishing unbeaten on 223 to take his side home.
Virat Kohli is expected to fill in at one-drop, being unable to cash in after his stellar century in the opener. He will be looking to finish the series on a high note to further extend his record-breaking run in the format.
Middle order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja
Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul are positioned in the middle order to provide stability and experience. Gaikwad is able to hold the innings together in the middle overs. Rahul takes the wicketkeeper role and adds depth to the batting lineup with his ability to play both aggressive and cautious cricket depending on match situations. Neither player has had a significant role in the series
Naman Dhir, who went off injured in India’s bowling innings, might be expected to slot in at number 6, but would not be expected to feature much with the ball. Ravindra Jadeja provides left-arm spin and lower-order batting support to strengthen the team’s balance. The inclusion of both all-rounders ensures India has adequate depth in the lower order.
Bowlers: Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
The bowling attack comprises Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj. This combination offers a mix of pace and spin options to exploit conditions at the venue and maintain pressure on the West Indies batsmen. Kamboj’s inclusion as Prasidh Krishna’s replacement adds another seaming option to the attack, while offering depth to the batting unit.
Kuldeep has been India’s leading wicket-taker in the series, with six scalps to his name. He took figures of 4 for 40 in the first match, in a Player of the Match performance. Siraj’s return to the side adds the much-needed experience to the attack, with the seamer functioning as India’s attack leader.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs West Indies:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
