Gill wins toss as India look to seal ODI series against West Indies in Guwahati
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to field in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati, with the hosts holding a 1-0 series lead and both sides making several squad changes.
The second of three one-day internationals between India and West Indies is being played on Wednesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with India leading the series 1-0 and looking to wrap it up on home soil. According to Rediff, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to field first.
Squad changes on both sides
India handed a debut to Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. West Indies captain Shai Hope announced four changes to his side. The West Indies squad for the tour includes Amir Jangoo, listed alongside Hope, John Campbell and other players.
Context from the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram
In the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram, centuries from Virat Kohli and captain Gill helped India chase down a target of 296 in under 42 overs. Kohli's 74-ball hundred came with several milestones, including becoming only the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to pass 15,000 international runs. West Indies opener Justin Greaves scored a maiden ODI century, 101 off 108 balls, helping the visitors post a competitive 295/7.
India's bowling dilemma
India's experiment of opening the bowling with all-rounder Nitish Reddy instead of the more experienced Mohammed Siraj did not pay off in the opener — Reddy struggled for accuracy and conceded 18 runs in an over that stretched to seven deliveries. For the second match, India opted to debut Nabi instead, reflecting continued experimentation with the bowling combination ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
Stakes for West Indies
Wednesday's match is effectively a must-win for West Indies to keep the series alive. Their last ODI series win over India dates back to 2002. Beyond this series, West Indies still need to secure qualification for the next World Cup, with qualifiers scheduled for February.
