India Elect to Bat First in Series Finale Against West Indies
India aims for a series whitewash against West Indies in the 3rd ODI at New Chandigarh after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
India has won the toss and decided to bat first in the third and final ODI against the West Indies at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday. Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, the hosts are now chasing a clean sweep.
India's Dominant Series Run
The Indian side has been in formidable form throughout this series. They kicked off the contest with a commanding eight-wicket victory, successfully chasing down 296 runs in just 41.4 overs. The momentum continued into the second ODI, where a historic batting display saw India chase a massive 405-run target in 43.3 overs, headlined by a record-breaking unbeaten 223 from captain Shubman Gill.
Captain's View on Pitch and Bowling
Speaking at the toss, Shubman Gill expressed his satisfaction with the playing conditions, describing the pitch as a "beautiful surface." However, he noted that the conditions might offer some assistance to the bowlers during the early stages of the innings.
Gill also addressed the current state of the Indian bowling unit, acknowledging that the lineup is relatively inexperienced. "Our bowling line-up is inexperienced, the more they play, the better," Gill remarked, noting that consistency remains a key area for improvement.
West Indies Aim for Consolation Win
West Indies skipper Shai Hope stated that his team would have preferred to bowl regardless of the toss outcome. Hope emphasized the need for batting consistency as his side looks to avoid a series whitewash. The West Indies squad has implemented three changes to their playing XI for this final encounter.
Squad Changes and Playing XIs
India has introduced fresh faces for the series finale. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammed Siraj return to the lineup, while Anshul Kamboj is set to make his highly anticipated ODI debut.
India Playing XI:
Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar
West Indies Playing XI:
John Cambell, Jewel Andrew, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes