“We will always look at the bigger picture.
At this stage in the cycle, with the Asia Cup and World Cup coming up, we have to look at the bigger picture because of some of the injuries we have. We can’t get worried about every single game, every single series, if we do that it will be a mistake,” emphasised Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach, on Saturday.
Suryakumar, who has been striving to find his rhythm in the 50-over format, aims to make a significant impact by batting long and contributing to a potential match-winning performance.
On the other hand, the series decider offers a golden opportunity for Samson to make his mark. Despite making numerous comebacks, Samson has yet to make a substantial impact. Batting at number three, he will have a chance to shine and deliver a pivotal performance for the team.
While opener Ishan Kishan has been impressive with the bat during the Test series, Shubman Gill is eager to break free from a quiet tour of West Indies thus far. Both players will be critical to India’s quest for victory in the decider.
Additionally, Hardik Pandya, who has been opening the bowling in the previous games, aims to improve his batting form and get some runs under his belt ahead of the crucial five-match T20 series against the West Indies.
In the bowling department, the young tearaway fast bowler Umran Malik has a point to prove after going wicketless in the series. With his electrifying pace, Malik provides India with an X factor, but he acknowledges the need to enhance his skills and accuracy.
Meanwhile, Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav has been India’s standout bowler, making it difficult for his good friend Yuzvendra Chahal to find a spot in the playing XI. Chahal is likely to feature in the following T20 series, eagerly awaiting his chance to contribute.
On the West Indies side, the pressure is on to secure a series win against India, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2006. Skipper Shai Hope’s unbeaten 63 in the second ODI has boosted the team’s confidence.
“The guys are going to come hard again. We keep speaking about the attitude, and today we displayed that. We need to replicate that and need to be more consistent with the bat and ball,” stated Shai Hope, emphasising the team’s determined approach.
The West Indies bowlers have proven to be formidable, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie causing trouble with sharp turn and pacer Romario Shepherd effectively using the short ball.
The Teams:
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain), Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas.
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
(With inputs from PTI)
