India remain on the right track with less than 20 ODIs left before their 2027 World Cup campaign begins in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The West Indies series, which includes matches at Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, forms a crucial part of the preparation phase. With several key players unavailable due to Asian Games commitments and injuries, the team management is using these matches to assess different squad combinations and player roles.
Sairaj Bahutule, India's spin coach, outlined the
team's thinking on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 29. Bahutule explained the rationale behind the squad selections and tactical adjustments being made during the series.
"These series are a good opportunity for us to also see different types of combinations we can have in the team," Bahutule said in a pre-match press conference.
"We can definitely look at different bowlers who can bowl in different phases of the game. So that's what the thought process was in giving Nitish the new ball. He is a good bowler and somebody who can bat as well. During this series we will come across certain changes, but those changes are purely to understand who can be placed well in the right position."
India are also assessing their options in the pace department, with the team yet to finalise the combination they could take into the 2027 World Cup.
"When it comes to the fast bowlers, it will be important to see who would actually be the three fast bowlers, maybe a fourth seamer -- an all-rounder. That is yet to be seen," Bahutule added.
"Ample opportunities will be given to all the bowlers in different phases. So you might see Gurnoor (Brar) bowling with the new ball, things like that."
India focusing on South African conditions
With the 2027 World Cup scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Bahutule said India's focus will gradually shift towards finding a combination suited to the conditions in the region.
"Moving ahead is going to be again about the combination which is ideal for the conditions in South Africa. Most of the boxes are ticked. In our squad, there is a lot of experience, there is a lot of youth coming up. Opportunities also are there for a lot of these guys who are knocking on the door," he said.
Bahutule also highlighted fielding as an area India continues to work on. He pointed out that dew and changing conditions under lights can make fielding more difficult, particularly in day-night matches.
"Fielding is something which we constantly are trying to see how we can improve as much as possible. Because it's not easy under lights, sometimes when the dew comes in, it is a challenge.
"Sometimes we have dew, sometimes we don't. So that's again a work in progress and the effort that has been put in constantly is seen."
Bahutule believes Indiaare moving in the right direction as they continue to assess their options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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