Shikhar Dhawan back in team, India eyeing to clean up West Indies
Ahmedabad, Feb 10 (PTI) India will be eyeing a ‘clean sweep’ in the formal third ODI against West Indies while the return of Shikhar Dhawan has given the batting more strength.
India registered easy wins in the first two matches.
Four players, including opener Shikhar Dhawan, were found to be Corona positive before the start of the ODI series. Now after the return of Shikhar Dhawan, the winning team combination can be changed. In his absence, Ishan Kishan opened the innings in the first match and Rishabh Pant in the second.
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Shikhar Dhawan will play the last match
After the 44-run win in the second match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had said that Shikhar Dhawan would play the last match. He had said, “Shikhar will play the next match. It’s not always about the result. He needs to spend time on the field.”
This means that vice-captain KL Rahul will again bat with Virat Kohli in the middle order. In the second match, the Indian team could only score 237 runs for nine wickets, batting first would have to make a big score.
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Shikhar Dhawan can bust any bowling attack when he is in rhythm
Rohit couldn’t run in the last match but he and Shikhar Dhawan can bust any bowling attack if they are in touch.
Pant and Suryakumar Yadav will enter the middle order. Suryakumar has secured his place after scoring 64 runs in the last match. All-rounder Deepak Hooda will have to make room for Shikhar Dhawan.
It has to be seen whether Shreyas Iyer is available for selection or not
Indian bowlers performed brilliantly in the first two matches to restrict West Indies to 176 and 193 runs. Now after winning the series, the team management can make some changes and give chances to new players.
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is eager to return from injury. He or leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi can be dropped. If this happens, Yuzvendra Chahal or Washington Sundar can be out. Indore fast bowler Avesh Khan is also waiting to get a chance.
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Fast bowler Pranbhav Krishna took four wickets and Shardul Thakur also bowled well so there is little chance of him being dropped. Mohammad Siraj will have to stay out if Avesh plays.
Kieron Pollard and all-rounder Jason Holder have to play responsibly
West Indies on the other hand will play to save the reputation. In the last 17 matches, she could not play the full 50 overs for the 11th time. Captain Kieron Pollard and all-rounder Jason Holder will have to play responsibly. Good performances will also be expected from Shai Hope, Brendan King and Nicholas Pooran.
The fast bowlers did well in the second match but the spinners would play an important role.
Teams :
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul (vice captain), Mayank Agarwal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Patan (wk), Deepak Chahar , Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Famous Krishna and Avesh Khan.
West Indies: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamar Brooks, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akil Hossain, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepard, Odeon Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr. .
The match will start at 1.30 pm IST.
