India host the West Indies in the second of a three-match ODI series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, September 30. India have already taken a 1-0 lead in the series after a convincing eight-wicket win in the first match in Thiruvananthapuram. The Men in Blue have all the wherewithal in their side to recreate such a performance, especially since stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli appear to be in good form. While Sharma departed for a quickfire 32, which included three sixes, in the first match, Kohli stuck around to remain unbeaten on 139 and lead his team over the line. A fine century by captain Shubman Gill (110) also helped India's cause.
Unless the West Indies pick wickets inside the first powerplay, they will struggle to put a lid on the Indians. India have far too much firepower in their batting department, and will be hard to keep a check on if their partnerships do not get broken. The West Indies can think about using spin early on since Sharma is not known for using his feet too well before he gets settled. Off-spinner Roston Chase is the best option that the visitors have, and they will have to use him judiciously. Another way the West Indies can prevent India from scoring briskly is if they protect their boundaries with wise field placements.
With the bat in hand, Justin Greaves will be tasked with leading the charge for the visitors yet again. His well-crafted 101, which came off just 108 deliveries in the first match, set the tone for the rest of the batters to build upon. Captain Shai Hope, who departed for 13, knows that unless he delivers a big performance with the bat, he cannot ask the others in the ranks to show any accountability. On Sunday, the Windies found it hard to score against Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up four wickets. They will have to devise a way of rotating the strike against the chinaman if they are to either put up or chase a big target in Guwahati.
Predicted Teams
IND: Rohit Sharma,
Shubman Gill (c),
Virat Kohli,
Ruturaj Gaikwad,
KL Rahul (wk),
Naman Dhir,
Ravindra Jadeja,
Nitish Kumar Reddy,
Gurnoor Brar,
Kuldeep Yadav,
Prasidh Krishna.
WI: John Campbell,
Justin Greaves,
Keacy Carty,
Shai Hope (c) (wk),
Amir Jangoo,
Jewel Andrew,
Roston Chase,
Matthew Forde,
Gudakesh Motie,
Alzarri Joseph,
Jayden Seales.
Key Players
Kuldeep Yadav (IND): Kuldeep Yadav is the biggest threat in the Indian bowling attack. While seamer Prasidh Krishna also picked up a couple of wickets in the first ODI, it was Yadav who thoroughly decimated the Windies batters. Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, or 'chinaman', can get the ball to turn from wide angles back into the right-handers. He is also known to be sharp when bowling the wrong'uns, which go the other way. Overall, his variations make him quite hard to pick off his bowling hand.
Shai Hope (WI): Captain Shai Hope is the best batter in the West Indies' unit. He is known to strike the right balance between rotating the strike and aiming for boundaries. Although he got out for less than 20 in Thiruvananthapuram, Hope will be backed to deliver a big performance soon. One of the biggest positives about Hope is that once he gets set, he is quite hard to get out. He usually bats throughout the innings and holds his team together. Being a wicketkeeper, Hope is a safe option behind the stumps, too, from where he can notice all field placements.
Match Prediction
India are the favourites to win. The West Indies do not have enough depth in their ranks to challenge the runners-up of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The home team are building their side in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup, and the West Indies' inexperience and lack of expertise will pose no challenge. Unless the Windies build partnerships with the bat and bowl decent lengths with the ball, they cannot think of challenging India, especially in their own backyard.