India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against West Indies in the third and final ODI at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3.
India went into the match with the three-match series already sealed after winning the first two games by 8 wickets each. The final ODI therefore allows India to complete a 3-0 sweep as well as evaluate some of their selection options.
The match is also the first men’s ODI at the New Chandigarh venue, adding another milestone to the series finale.
Anshul Kamboj makes ODI Debut
India has the biggest selection development with Anshul Kamboj who has made his way into the team after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out.
Prasidh suffered a left hamstring injury in the second ODI in Guwahati and could bowl only five overs in that match. The BCCI named Kamboj as his replacement.
Kamboj's inclusion provides India another chance to assess a young pace option as the team prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mohammed Siraj also returns to the XI after sitting out the opening two matches, while Nitish Kumar Reddy comes into the side.
India will continue to dominate Batting
India's top order has been the major feature of the series.
Virat Kohli scored 139 in the first ODI and Shubman Gill 223 not out in the second match. Rohit Sharma also struck a century in Guwahati as India chased down West Indies' 405-run total with eight wickets in hand.
With India batting first, Gill, Rohit and Kohli will again be at the center of the match.
West Indies Need Early Wickets
For West Indies the biggest challenge will be their bowling attack.
The visitors conceded 296/2 in the first ODI and then allowed India to chase 406 with considerable time to spare in the second match. Their batting, however, has produced several strong performances.
John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all scored centuries in the second ODI, while Justin Greaves had made a hundred in the series opener.
West Indies will therefore need their bowlers to create early pressure rather than allowing India's top order to settle down.
Key Battles to Watch
Shubman Gill vs West Indies' New-Ball Attack
Gill comes into the match after his record-breaking 223 in Guwahati. West Indies will want to challenge him with the new ball before he gets established.
Virat Kohli vs Alzarri Joseph
Kohli’s ability to control the middle overs will be important, while Alzarri Joseph will be expected to provide West Indies with a breakthrough against India’s experienced batting unit.
Rohit Sharma vs Jayden Seales
Rohit’s aggressive approach against the new ball could make his contest with Seales one of the key battles of the opening overs.
Kuldeep Yadav vs West Indies' Middle Order
Kuldeep has been India’s most effective spinner so far. His battle against Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford and the other West Indies middle-order batters could affect the second innings.
