Former India player Aakash Chopra has backed senior pace bowler Mohammed Siraj for India’s playing XI in the second ODI match against the West Indies in Guwahati. Chopra added that Siraj must replace Naman Dhir, who is unlikely to be in the mix for the 2027 ODI World Cup as well.

During a discussion on Cricinfo, he added: “I think we should be okay to play with seven batters, four proper bowlers, then play Siraj maybe. For Naman Dhir, it’ll be really harsh because you’ve just given him an opportunity. His five overs weren’t overly expensive, but then he’s unlikely to be your go-to guy to take wickets.”

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“He has not got an opportunity to bat. The fact is, he might not get an opportunity to bat at all with the kind of batting depth that India has, unless you promote him. But you won’t promote him. You will actually promote Nitish Kumar Reddy if you were to. For the 2027 World Cup, Naman Dhir is not a likely candidate to be a part of the conversation, let alone being a part of the team. So, Mohammed Siraj for Naman Dhir will be my pick,” he shared again

However, plenty of dew is likely to be in Guwahati for the second India vs West Indies ODI. According to Chopra, the team winning the toss will bowl first and have a massive advantage due to the dew factor in the evening as well.

“You expect a lot of dew. In a T20 game, it gets nullified a little because the sun sets early and the dew is already present by 7pm. It doesn’t really go overboard after that. But, in an ODI, if you get to bowl first with a dry ball, you are almost certain to bat with a bar of soap in the second half. So, yes, win the toss and almost win the game,” he concluded.