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India and West Indies will lock horns in the third and final ODI of the series on October 3. While India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead, West Indies will be determined to end the tour with a victory after coming agonisingly close to defending a 405-run total in the second ODI.
The first two matches have produced some outstanding batting performances. India chased 295 in the opening ODI before completing a record-breaking chase of 406 in Guwahati. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223 was the highlight of the second game, while Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have also made important contributions.
West Indies, meanwhile, have demonstrated that their batting unit can compete against India’s bowling attack. John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all scored centuries in Guwahati, helping the visitors post their highest-ever ODI total of 405/7.
Here are three batters who could attract the most attention in the series finale.
It is difficult to look beyond Shubman Gill when discussing the most important batters in this series.
The Indian captain has been in extraordinary form across the first two ODIs. After scoring 110 in the series opener, Gill produced a breathtaking unbeaten 223 off 133 balls in Guwahati. His knock included 26 fours and eight sixes and powered India to a successful chase of 406 with 39 balls remaining.
Gill’s double-century came off just 117 balls, making it the fastest 200 in ODI cricket. He also became the first Indian captain to score an ODI double-century.
His numbers after two games are staggering. Gill has accumulated 333 runs in the series at an average of 333, comfortably leading the run-scoring charts.
The third ODI presents another opportunity for Gill to continue his remarkable run. West Indies’ bowlers will need to find a way to restrict him early, because allowing him to settle could once again lead to a huge score.
With India already having secured the series, Gill could also use the game to continue building momentum ahead of future ODI assignments.
Virat Kohli is another Indian batter who has made a significant impact during the series.
Kohli produced a sensational unbeaten 139 off 88 balls in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. His innings helped India chase down West Indies’ 295 with eight wickets in hand. During the knock, Kohli also became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross the 15,000-run mark in men’s ODI cricket.
He then contributed 29 off 19 balls during India’s record chase in Guwahati. While the second-ODI innings was brief, Kohli’s overall numbers remain impressive.
He has scored 168 runs across the first two matches and currently sits second on India’s run-scoring charts for the series. His strike rate of 157 is also among the best in the contest.
The third ODI could therefore be an interesting opportunity for Kohli to finish the series strongly. West Indies will be aware that giving him time at the crease could prove costly, particularly after witnessing his fluent century in the opening match.
A substantial contribution from Kohli would further strengthen India’s already formidable top order.
Amir Jangoo has been one of West Indies’ brightest batting performers during the series and deserves plenty of attention heading into the final ODI.
After making 58 in the first ODI, Jangoo took his game to another level in Guwahati. He smashed 114 runs as West Indies posted 405/7, joining John Campbell and Shai Hope in making centuries during the same innings.
His century was particularly significant because it helped West Indies cross the 400-run barrier for the first time in men’s ODI cricket. The visitors’ 405/7 surpassed their previous highest ODI total of 389, scored against England in 2019.
Jangoo currently has 172 runs in the series, placing him second behind Gill in the overall run-scoring charts. His average of 172 is also the second-best among the players involved in the series.
The right-hander’s ability to combine controlled strokeplay with aggressive attacking shots has made him an important component of West Indies’ batting lineup.
With the series already lost, Jangoo will be keen to produce another substantial innings and give West Indies’ bowlers a competitive total to defend.
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