India will be looking to put in another dominant showing, but Guwahati could offer the West Indies one last chance to push back before the series slips away. After being blown away by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in the opening ODI, the visitors arrive at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium with plenty of questions to answer.
For India, the mood is markedly different. Kohli’s sublime century and Gill’s fluent hundred powered them to a comfortable eight-wicket victory in Thiruvananthapuram, putting the hosts 1-0 up and firmly in control of the series. The second ODI now gives them an opportunity to finish the job while allowing several of their key players to build further momentum.
Kohli’s unbeaten 139 in the first ODI was another reminder of his ability to take control of a chase. He found the boundary with remarkable ease and, alongside Gill, ensured India were never really in danger after West Indies posted a competitive total.
The former India captain will have another landmark in sight in Guwahati. His century in the opening ODI took his tally of international hundreds against the West Indies to 13, level with Sunil Gavaskar. Another hundred would take Kohli past Gavaskar and make him the leading century-maker against the Caribbean side in international cricket.
The record, though, is likely to be secondary to India’s larger objective. With the series there to be sealed, the hosts will want another clinical performance and will be wary of allowing West Indies back into the contest.
INDIA EYE ANOTHER STRONG BATTING SHOW
India will be looking to put together another strong performance with the bat, with Kohli and Shubman Gill both arriving in Guwahati after scoring hundreds in the opening game. Gill, who is leading India in the ODI format, looked assured throughout his 110 and combined beautifully with Kohli during their match-winning partnership.
The pair added 151 runs and effectively took the game away from West Indies after the visitors had made a promising start with the ball. India will be hoping for more of the same, particularly with the ODI World Cup cycle firmly in focus.
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, will be looking to get some runs under his belt. The veteran opener made 32 in the first ODI and gave India a rapid start before falling to Jayden Seales. With Rohit continuing to be an important part of India’s plans, another opportunity to spend significant time at the crease will be valuable.
India also have plenty of depth beyond their star-studded top order. Ruturaj Gaikwad finished the first ODI unbeaten, while the likes of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provide further options as India continue to assess their combinations.
For the West Indies, containing the Indian top order will be the first challenge. Their bowlers struggled to sustain pressure after Rohit’s dismissal in the first ODI, allowing Kohli and Gill to dictate the tempo of the chase.
The visitors will also be hoping their bowlers can learn from the mistakes in the opening match. India were barely troubled once the second-wicket partnership was established, and West Indies will need early wickets if they are to make a contest of the second ODI.
JADEJA KEEN TO MAKE A MARK AFTER WICKETLESS RETURN
Ravindra Jadeja will be keen to make a bigger impact in Guwahati after returning to the ODI side with a wicketless outing in the first match. The all-rounder bowled his full quota of 10 overs but could not provide India with a breakthrough as Justin Greaves and John Campbell put together a 135-run opening stand.
Jadeja’s return is significant as India continue to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. He had missed the ODIs against Afghanistan and England before returning to the XI against West Indies, bringing his experience and all-round ability to a side that is still looking to settle on its ideal combination.
While Kuldeep Yadav eventually changed the complexion of the first ODI with his four-wicket haul, Jadeja will be looking to make his presence felt with both bat and ball in Guwahati. His ability to control the middle overs and contribute lower down the order remains an important part of India’s plans.
GREAVES RULED OUT WITH CALF INJURY
West Indies have suffered a huge blow ahead of the second ODI, with Justin Greaves ruled out after suffering a calf injury. The all-rounder had produced a memorable innings in the opening match, scoring his maiden ODI century and giving the visitors a strong platform.
Greaves scored 101 from 108 balls and looked in complete control during his partnership with Campbell. His dismissal triggered a West Indies slide, but his century had already underlined his importance to their batting plans.
His absence leaves West Indies without the player who provided the foundation for their strong start in Thiruvananthapuram. It also removes a batter who had just delivered a career-best performance against a strong Indian attack.
In his absence, Jewel Andrew could be pushed up the order to open the innings with John Campbell. Sherfane Rutherford, who missed the opening game due to personal reasons, is likely to slot into the middle order.
West Indies will hope the changes can help them produce a more complete performance. Their top order showed that it can put India’s bowlers under pressure, but the collapse in the middle overs highlighted the difference between a promising start and a competitive finish.
India, on the other hand, will see Guwahati as an opportunity to maintain their momentum. Kohli will have another chance to chase history, Gill will look to continue his fine run, Rohit will want time in the middle and Jadeja will be eager to leave a bigger mark.
For West Indies, the task is clear: find answers quickly and keep the series alive. India, meanwhile, will be looking to wrap up the series with a game to spare.
IND vs WI HEAD-TO-HEAD
Overall
Matches – 143, India – 73, West Indies – 64, Tied – 2, N/R – 4
In India
Matches – 62, India – 33, West Indies – 28, Tied – 1, N/R – 0
IND vs WI: PITCH & CONDITIONS
The match in Guwahati is expected to be another high-scoring affair, with the average ODI score at the venue standing at 348. In 2023, Virat Kohli scored a century against Sri Lanka as India posted a massive 373 for seven. The conditions could once again make life difficult for the bowlers.
There is no significant threat of rain in Guwahati, although intermittent clouds are expected. Temperatures are likely to remain in the low to mid-30s.
IND vs WI Predicted XI
India predicted XI: 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
West Indies predicted XI: John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c) (wk), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales
– Ends
