India Looks to Fix Bowling Woes Against West Indies in Final ODI
New Chandigarh – India will look to address its bowling struggles when it faces the West Indies in the third and final One-Day International on Saturday, having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Despite India’s dominance with the bat, its bowling performances have raised concerns ahead of the ODI World Cup next year. The opening two matches in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati produced high-scoring contests, prompting head coach Gautam Gambhir to call for a better balance between bat and ball.
India’s new-ball attack has struggled, taking just one wicket and conceding 177 runs during the opening 10 overs of the first two matches combined.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also under pressure after taking just three wickets in his last eight ODI appearances. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has received limited support in the middle overs, highlighting India’s need for greater consistency from its bowling unit.
In contrast, India’s batting lineup has delivered impressive performances. Captain Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 in the second ODI, his second double century in the format, helping India complete a record-breaking chase of 406. Gill also scored a century in the opening match, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have contributed strongly throughout the series.
India faces additional selection challenges after fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was ruled out with a left hamstring injury. Uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj has been named as his replacement.
Mohammed Siraj could return to the playing XI after missing the first two matches, although his recent form has been inconsistent. He took just one wicket from 41 overs during last month’s Duleep Trophy final.
With Jasprit Bumrah rested and relatively inexperienced bowlers Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi in the squad, the final ODI presents an opportunity for India to evaluate its backup bowling options.
The West Indies, meanwhile, will aim to avoid a series sweep. Opener John Campbell and captain Shai Hope have provided solid starts, but the visitors need stronger contributions from their middle order.
Justin Greaves remains doubtful because of a calf injury sustained during his century in the opening match. Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase and Keemo Paul will be expected to play important roles as the visitors seek their first victory of the series.
The match will begin at 2 p.m. IST at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. It will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
Squads
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice captain and wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir and Anshul Kamboj.
West Indies: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar Joseph and Vitel Lawes. (Source: IANS)
