India's Pace Puzzle, Kohli's Purple Patch in Focus as West Indies Face Must-Win Second ODI
Virat Kohli’s form and India’s top order have eased concerns, but the hosts are still weighing pace options before the next World Cup cycle.
- On Wednesday, India aims to seal the three-match ODI series against West Indies in Guwahati, looking to stabilize their pace-bowling combination after an unsettled performance in the opener where they chased down 296.
- India's decision to open with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy instead of Mohammed Siraj struggled in Thiruvananthapuram; with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya unavailable, the team assesses pace options ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
- Skipper Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli both struck centuries in the series-opener, while West Indies opener Justin Greaves scored a maiden 108-ball 101 to help the visitors post 295/7.
- Management must decide whether to restore Siraj or hand Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi a much-anticipated debut. Bowling coach Morne Morkel previously emphasized developing young talent like Reddy for all-rounder roles.
- Virat Kohli returns to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where he scored an ODI century in January 2023, as this tour serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
10 Articles
10 Articles
India vs West Indies 2nd ODI Preview: Confident host welcomes a Windies desperate for answers
Host India will aim to extend its dominance as the West Indies, eyeing a first bilateral ODI win in India in 24 years, seeks a fresh start after a mixed showing in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIndia's pace puzzle, Kohli's purple patch in focus as West Indies face must-win second ODI
India is looking to secure the second ODI against West Indies amidst concerns regarding their pace-bowling combination. Kohli's impressive performance in the last match has raised expectations for his continued form. The team faces a dilemma on whether to include Mohammed Siraj or give a debut to Auqib Nabi. West Indies aims to improve their chances of staying in the series following a disappointing opener.
2nd ODI: Virat Kohli's Form In Focus As India Look To Seal Series Against West Indies
The batting firepower is undeniably India's biggest strength but an unsettled pace-bowling combination would be a concern when the hosts look to seal the three-match ODI series against the West Indies in the second game, on Wednesday.
India Likely Playing XI for 2nd ODI 2026 vs West Indies: Check Predicted 11 | 🏏 LatestLY
Ahead of the 2nd ODI between India and West Indies on September 30, 2026, in Guwahati, fans can check India's likely playing XI. Skipper Shubman Gill will lead the team, with the return of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to strengthen the batting lineup. 🏏 India Likely Playing XI for 2nd ODI 2026 vs West Indies: Check Predicted 11.
2nd ODI: India aim for series win in happy-hunting Guwahati after Virat show in opener (Preview)
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 29 (IANS) India will step onto the field of a happy-hunting Barsapara Cricket Stadium as they look to win the three-match series against the West Indies on Wednesday. A special Virat Kohli show led the Indian team to chase down 297 against the Windies in Thiruvananthapuram, while captain Shubman Gill also hit a marvellous ton. Kuldeep Yadav was the star with the ball as he made crucial strikes in his 4-40 spell to …
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