The West Indies ODI series against India will conclude on Friday when they face them after losing the first two ODIs. India bounced back in the second ODI, defending only 237, led by Prasidh who bowled expertly to deliver dream figures of 9-3-12-4. The West Indies’ top-order will be looking for redemption after a lackluster performance in the second ODI. Rohit Sharma’s bowling changes and field placements were the highlights of the match.
Players to watch out for
Prasidh Krishna – An addition to the Indian fast bowling armory?
It won’t be wrong to claim that Krishna’s spell against the West Indies was anything short of a masterclass and one of the best by an Indian bowler in India in recent years, as Captain Rohit Sharma later stated in the post-match presentation: “I have never seen a spell-like that in India for a long time now.”
Prasidh not only got rid of Pooran, but he also got rid of Darren Bravo and Brandon King in a game-changing spell. In fact, King’s wicket demonstrated the importance of having a tall hit-the-deck bowler with a high release. Prasidh provided enough width for the opener to crack the cut shot, but King failed to ride the bounce as the pace bowler got it to kick extra from short of a length, resulting in an outside edge. A tall pace bowler with unrelenting control and hit-the-deck skills adds another potent arrow to India’s armory.
Suryakumar Yadav – India’s most consistent batter in recent times.
Surya’s journey with the India team has been nothing short of a dream, as he has scored with an average of 65 and has amassed two half-centuries in the process. Surya’s 64 runs helped India reach a respectable total of 237. After India lost three early wickets, his 91-run partnership was critical. He kept milking the spinners until he hit fifty. However, when attempting to hit a higher gear, he misjudged the length of Allen and top-edged a sweep to short fine leg for 64 points out of 83. India will be hoping for another SKY performance to solidify his place in the Indian playing XI.
Odeon Smith – An addition to West Indies fast bowling all-rounders unit?
Smith, who was given a game in the absence of captain Pollard due to a niggle, took advantage of the situation by dismissing both Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli in the same over. He put Kohli to the test with lifting deliveries as the allrounder got with a length ball. Kohli attempted a drive, lost his shape and was bowled out for 18 off 30 balls.
Smith’s contribution with the bat was also significant as he muscled Thakur for back-to-back sixes and smashed a full toss from Siraj for four. Odean Smith gave India a scare at the death before Prasidh Krishna ended the show.
Team news
Given that India has already won the series, it is possible that they will look to give younger players a chance. Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Chahar could be given a chance after Chahal and Thakur performed well in the series. Odean Smith, who filled in for Captain Pollard, could keep his spot. West Indies players will have one last chance to impress IPL owners before they are auctioned off this weekend.
Probable Playing XI
India
Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Washington Sundar, Deepak Hooda, Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna
West Indies
Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope (wk), Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks, Fabian Allen, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh, Kemar Roach,