The first two ODIs between India and West Indies have followed a remarkably similar pattern. The Guwahati ODI was essentially an even higher-scoring version of the opening match in Thiruvananthapuram. West Indies improved from 295/7 to 405/7, but India chased both targets comfortably without putting their middle order under significant pressure. The two matches have already produced eight centuries, with four coming from each side. India’s bowlers have struggled to make an impact in the afternoon heat, while the West Indies attack has found it difficult to maintain control under the lights.
The major difference has been Kuldeep Yadav. India’s leading wicket-taker in the series has consistently extracted something from the surface. He used the conditions effectively in the first ODI and provided control in the second, even though the other spinners have struggled to influence the game. West Indies have now faced Kuldeep for 20 overs and should have a better understanding of how to counter his variations. Despite losing the series, their Powerplay batting and Amir Jangoo’s performances have emerged as encouraging positives.
Before the opening ODI, Shai Hope highlighted Roston Chase when discussing West Indies’ spin options alongside Gudakesh Motie and Vitel Lawes. However, Chase has endured a quiet series despite having more experience against India than several of his teammates. Finger spinners from both teams have struggled to make a major impact, prompting West Indies to introduce teenage wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes. The move, however, did not significantly alter the pattern of the second ODI.
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For Indian fans, the series has delivered plenty of entertainment. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have both scored centuries, while Shubman Gill has been in outstanding form and could challenge his own aggregate record for a three-match bilateral ODI series. With India already holding an unassailable lead, however, experimentation could become a major theme in the third ODI as the team continues building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The afternoon heat is likely to remain a factor. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-30s Celsius, with players already dealing with cramps and frequent fielding changes in the first two matches. New Chandigarh will host its first men’s ODI, adding another layer of uncertainty. The last List A match at the venue was played in December 2021.
Chasing could again be the preferred option, with the team batting second winning four of the five List A matches played at the venue. India all-rounder Naman Dhir, who represents Punjab, admitted he had not yet assessed the pitch but suggested that a score of around 290-300 could be competitive.
India
India have once again opted against a practice session ahead of the third ODI, making team selection harder to predict. With the series already decided, India are expected to experiment, particularly after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out with a left hamstring injury. Anshul Kamboj has joined the squad and could make his ODI debut, while Mohammed Siraj is another option. Nitish Kumar Reddy could also return after being used as a new-ball bowler in the opening game.
India may also give Yashasvi Jaiswal an opportunity, potentially resting one of the regular openers. KL Rahul has yet to bat in the series, while Dhruv Jurel could come into the XI in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Naman Dhir, who appeared to twist his ankle during the second ODI, was later confirmed to have suffered only cramps.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Naman Dhir, Nitish Reddy/Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj/Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar
West Indies
West Indies will be without Justin Greaves due to a calf injury. Their batting could remain unchanged, with Shai Hope in excellent form and Amir Jangoo providing versatility against spin.
The bigger concern is their bowling attack. Alzarri Joseph has struggled, while Jayden Seales and Keemo Paul have also been expensive. West Indies must decide whether to retain Vitel Lawes or bring back Gudakesh Motie, with Roston Chase likely to continue as their right-arm spin option.
Probable XI: John Campbell, Keacy Carty/Jewel Andrew, Shai Hope (c & wk), Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul/Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes/Gudakesh Motie
