India have wrapped up the three-match ODI series against West Indies with a game to spare, winning both the first and second matches to take an unassailable
2-0 lead. The third and final ODI is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
With the series already decided, the inconsequential dead rubber offers India captain Shubman Gill and the team management an opportunity to rotate the playing XI and give fringe players some much-needed game time. Here are three changes India can consider for the final ODI.
3 changes India can make for the 3rd ODI against West Indies
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy in for Auqib Nabi
Nitish Kumar Reddy was part of India's playing XI in the 1st ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on September 27, but his ball-in-hand performance proved costly and he did not get a chance to bat. He was subsequently left out of the 2nd ODI, with Auqib Nabi coming in as his replacement. The J&K fast bowler made his international debut in Guwahati but conceded 85 runs in 8.5 overs. With Hardik Pandya's fitness remaining a concern, Reddy's development as an all-rounder is important for India's long-term ODI plans, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Bringing him back for the 3rd ODI would give him a chance to respond and accumulate valuable international experience.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal in for Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been in exceptional form across the first two ODIs, scoring a century in the 1st ODI at Thiruvananthapuram and following it up with an unbeaten double century in the 2nd ODI at Guwahati. With the series already won and Gill having contributed enormously, resting him for the dead rubber makes sense. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is part of India's ODI squad for this series, could be handed an opportunity at the top of the order in Gill's absence. The 3rd ODI at Mullanpur on October 3 would be a good platform for Jaiswal to get some ODI experience under his belt ahead of future assignments.
1. Mohammed Siraj in for Prasidh Krishna
Mohammed Siraj has been part of India's ODI squad for this series but has not featured in either of the first two matches. Meanwhile, India's bowlers had a difficult outing in the 2nd ODI at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on September 30, with the side conceding 405 runs. Prasidh Krishna, who played the first two games in the series, has been ruled out of the final encounter with a hamstring injury and replaced by Anshul Kamboj. Siraj should get a game, which would help him prepare for the upcoming New Zealand tour, where he is expected to play a key role.
