IND vs WI, 2nd ODI: Pooran elects to field
India and West Indies will be playing the second ODI of the three-match series in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The India versus West Indies first ODI saw the hosts seal a comprehensive six-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead. The news from the center is that WI skipper Nicholas Pooran has won the toss and elected to field first. Here's more.
Pitch report and TV listing
Over the years, the wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium has favored spinners. Interestingly, the top four wicket-takers in Test cricket at this venue are spinners, with legend Anil Kumble leading the pack. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took four wickets in the 1st ODI. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on the Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Can WI bat out 50 overs?
WI have struggled in ODIs of late and the inability to bat for 50 overs is worrisome. As per Cricbuzz, WI have been bowled out in nine of the 13 ODIs since the start of 2021. They have lost 44 wickets to spin in those 13 games at 21.86 per dismissal. WI have also scored at only 4.07 per over against the slower bowlers.
India will aim to earn a series win
India have an opportunity to win their 11th consecutive ODI series against West Indies. Their streak started in January 2007 when they beat WI 3-1 at home.India last beat WI 2-1 in the three-match ODI series in December 2019. WI haven't won an ODI series in India since November 2002. Meanwhile, India have won the last six ODI series against WI at home.
A look at the playing XI of both sides
West Indies (playing XI): Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach Team India (playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna
KL Rahul replaces Ishan Kishan
KL Rahul, who missed the first ODI, has returned to the starting XI. He will be opening alongside Rohit Sharma. Notably, Rahul has replaced Ishan Kishan in the XI. It's tough on Kishan, who scored 28 in the first ODI.
Pollard misses out for WI
WI will be without their skipper Kieron Pollard and in his place Pooran is leading the visitors. Pooran said during the toss that Pollard is nursing a niggle. Meanwhile, Odean Smith has replaced Pollard in the starting XI.
