India vs West Indies 2nd ODI Preview: Guwahati Heat, Team Changes and Key Battles
India face West Indies in the 2nd ODI in Guwahati as both teams weigh changes, injuries and key bowling options.
India will look to seal the ODI series when they face West Indies in the second match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on September 30. The match starts at 2:00 PM local time.
India lead the three-match series after a dominant win in Thiruvananthapuram. Virat Kohli’s record-breaking innings and Shubman Gill’s century helped India take a 1-0 lead.
The Guwahati pitch is expected to offer good batting conditions, with high-scoring ODI games a common sight at the venue. However, an excessive heat alert is in place, which could make conditions demanding for the players.
India are also looking at changes as they continue to assess their bowling options. Sairaj Bahutule said the team wants to understand which players can handle different roles during the series.
“Ample opportunities will be given to all the bowlers to bowl in different phases. You might see Gurnoor bowling the new ball. Things like that,” Bahutule said.
Mohammed Siraj or Auqib Nabi could come into the XI, with Nitish Kumar Reddy or Prasidh Krishna potentially making way. Ravindra Jadeja will also be under focus after taking only one wicket across his last seven ODI innings.
West Indies have suffered a major injury blow, with Justin Greaves ruled out because of a calf injury. Jewel Andrew could move up to open the innings, while Sherfane Rutherford is expected to strengthen the middle order.
The visitors are also considering left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes as they look for a way to improve their bowling attack. Gudakesh Motie or Roston Chase could make way if Lawes is selected.
West Indies will need to avoid another middle-order collapse, especially against India’s spin options. Floyd Reifer pointed to the difference between batting in India and the Caribbean, where slower pitches often require batters to create more power and manufacture shots.
“It is just a matter of getting in strong positions and hitting gaps. In the Caribbean, it is a bit different. Our pitches are a bit slower,” Reifer said.
With India looking to test their options and West Indies searching for a response, the Guwahati ODI could provide another important test for both sides.
India Probable XI
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar
West Indies Probable XI
Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Amir Jangoo, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie/Vitel Lawes, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph
