PUBLISHED ON Sep 29:
GUWAHATI: India will look to seal the three-match ODI series against the West Indies when the two sides meet in the second match at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, here on Wednesday. Currently India are leading the series 1-0 after their 8-wicket win in the first game.
The match will be the third ODI to be hosted by the stadium. The venue previously witnessed India take on the West Indies in the first ODI, while Sri Lanka were India’s opponents in the second international ODI played here. India won both the matches.
The Barsapara ground has also witnessed memorable centuries from India’s two batting stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli has scored centuries in both his ODI appearances at the venue, while Rohit also has a hundred to his name that came against West Indies in the first match.
If the opening ODI of the series is any indication, another high-scoring contest could be on the cards on Wednesday. All four previous ODI innings at Barsapara have produced totals in excess of 300, while the batting strength of both sides was on full display in the series opener.
India’s batting was led by Kohli, who produced a breathtaking unbeaten 139 off just 88 deliveries. Captain Shubman Gill also impressed with a fluent 110 off 108 balls, while Rohit contributed 32 off 35 deliveries.
The West Indies, however, demonstrated that they too possess enough firepower to challenge the Indian bowling attack. John Campbell smashed 62 off 60 balls, while Justin Greaves struck a fine 101 off 108 deliveries. The visitors raced to 135 without loss in just 19 overs before India managed to halt their momentum.
Kuldeep Yadav then spearheaded India’s bowling response with a match-winning spell, returning figures of 4/40. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award as the West Indies lost momentum during the middle overs.
No net session for India
India opted against holding a net session at the ACA Stadium on Tuesday, with the players choosing to remain at their hotel. Captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, visited the stadium in the afternoon, where they also met BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
The West Indies, meanwhile, turned up at the venue and spent time in the nets as they fine-tuned their preparations for the crucial second ODI.
First India-West Indies meeting at Barsapara
India and the West Indies first met at the Barsapara venue in 2018, in a high-scoring encounter. India successfully chased down a target of 323 in just 42.1 overs, losing only two wickets.
Rohit Sharma smashed an unbeaten 152, while Virat Kohli remained not out on 140. West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer also scored a century, making 106.
Ticket sales
The Assam Cricket Association is optimistic of a full house on Wednesday. ACA president Taranga Gogoi said nearly 25,000 tickets have already been sold and expressed hope that the stadium would be packed for the second ODI.
Weather
According to the India Meteorological Department, Guwahati is likely to witness partly cloudy conditions on Wednesday, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day.
Coaches corner
Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule on Tuesday admitted that he was highly impressed with Kohli’s unbeaten 139-run knock at Thiruvananthapuram. He said the veteran batter’s ability to keep evolving his batting template despite having achieved so much was a reflection of his hunger and commitment to the game. The bowling coach also underlined the value of having experienced campaigners such as Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the dressing room, especially with several young players coming through the ranks. He said the presence of senior players provides invaluable experience and inspiration and helps youngsters learn and develop in the demanding international environment. Bahutule was equally appreciative of Kuldeep Yadav’s contribution in the opening ODI. The left-arm wrist-spinner returned figures of 4/40 to win the Player of the Match award and played a key role in India’s victory. Meanwhile West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer said the West Indies were particularly focused on improving their batting during the middle overs, with handling spin effectively.
Squads:
India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul(w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Auqib Nabi, Dhruv Jurel.
West Indies Squad: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes
PHOTO CAPTION: Sairaj Bahutule addressing the media in Guwahati on Tuesday.(Courtesy: BCCI)