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India Weighs Siraj Change Ahead of Second West Indies ODI
India won the first cricket match against West Indies and now lead the series 1-0.
They chased West Indies’ score of 295 runs very quickly.
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill both scored centuries.
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s best bowler and took four wickets.
The next match will be played in Guwahati on September 30.
India must decide whether to keep the same team.
Mohammed Siraj could be added to strengthen the fast-bowling group.
If Siraj plays, Nitish Kumar Reddy or Naman Dhir may have to sit out.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opener by eight wickets with 50 deliveries remaining.
West Indies scored 295/7 in Trivandrum before centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill powered India’s chase.
Kuldeep Yadav took 4/40 on his ODI comeback and helped trigger West Indies’ batting collapse.
India may add specialist pacer Mohammed Siraj because Jasprit Bumrah is on Asian Games duty and Hardik Pandya is injured.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Naman Dhir could retain their places, although one may make way for Siraj or Auqib Nabi.
- Who
- India and West Indies, with India led by Shubman Gill.
- What
- India are considering changes to their playing XI for the second ODI after winning the opener.
- Where
- Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati; the first ODI was played in Trivandrum.
- When
- The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
- Why
- India want to secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead, while their pace department is unsettled by player absences.
Retain the Winning Combination
Strengthen the Pace Attack
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s place
Retain the Winning Combination
India may persist with Nitish Kumar Reddy despite his expensive first outing because the team wants to develop him as a backup all-rounder for Hardik Pandya.
Strengthen the Pace Attack
Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 45 runs in five overs, including 18 in his first over, so India could replace or reduce reliance on him.
Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion
Retain the Winning Combination
India used eight batting options and won comfortably, so keeping the same XI would preserve a successful combination.
Strengthen the Pace Attack
The pace department appears unsettled, and experienced specialist pacer Mohammed Siraj could provide greater bowling strength for a series-clinching match.
Naman Dhir’s selection
Retain the Winning Combination
Naman Dhir bowled five wicketless overs for 33 runs and did not bat, but dropping him after his debut could be considered harsh.
Strengthen the Pace Attack
If India add Siraj, Naman Dhir may be the player required to make space, with uncapped Auqib Nabi also identified as another possible option.
Key facts
- Series position
- India lead the three-match series 1-0.
- First ODI result
- India defeated West Indies by eight wickets with 50 deliveries remaining.
- West Indies score
- West Indies made 295/7 in the series opener.
- Top Indian performers
- Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill scored centuries.
- Best bowler
- Kuldeep Yadav took 4/40 in 10 overs.
- Potential addition
- Mohammed Siraj is being considered as a specialist pace option.
- Unavailable players
- Jasprit Bumrah is on Asian Games duty and Hardik Pandya is injured.
Sources
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