India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: India Need To Regroup Fast Against An Optimistic Windies Side

At the end of the first ODI in Chennai, India were left to pick up the same kind of pieces they did after the second T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. While, for a change, India’s middle-order stepped up to the task and rescued them from a precarious position. But it was their toothless and impenetrable bowling performance that left a massive gap them and the visitors. Their ineffectual bowling was a sheer testament to their over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah, who isn’t likely to be back until the Australians invade the Indian shores.

Also Read: India vs West Indies 2019: 2nd ODI – Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play A Spoilsport

Not only their frontline bowlers but even their fifth and sixth bowling option proved as unproductive. Of late, India’s approach with regards to their spinners has also been puzzling. Ravindra Jadeja, who was awarded a spot in the ODI team following his exploits in Tests, didn’t look threatening at all. Instead, the home side has failed to accommodate a place for Yuzvendra Chahal to pair him up with Kuldeep Yadav to trouble the batsmen in the middle overs. Ahead of the second ODI, India may do away with one of the batsmen and insert an extra bowling option.

On the other hand, the Windies couldn’t have asked for a better start to the ODI series. They just about did everything right from the outset. From chipping away in the powerplay, getting it perfect in the death overs to acing the run-chase, it all came entirely together for the tourists. They currently have all their bases covered and are on a course to clinch their first ODI series victory against India since 2006. However, they have to be wary of Virat Kohli’s men, who can strike back hard after their humiliating defeat.

Changes in the playing eleven:

India

The hosts are likely to exclude Ravindra Jadeja from the playing eleven as he couldn’t contribute to the team’s cause in any manner. Considering the track being a batting deck in Vishakhapatnam, Yuzvendra Chahal could get the nod.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

Also Read: India vs West Indies 2019: 2nd ODI, Visakhapatnam – West Indies’ Predicted Playing XI

West Indies:

Regardless of the conditions, the men from the Caribbean are not expected to tinker with their playing eleven. The pitch was easing up at the end of India’s innings; however, Windies’ death bowling received lauding as they conceded only 71 off the last ten overs.

Predicted XI: Shai Hope(wk), Sunil Ambris, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Kieron Pollard(c), Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Hayden Walsh, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell

Date and venue: December 18th 2019, 1:30 pm, Dr. Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vishakhapatnam

Pitch Report:

The pitch is considered one of the best batting pitches in the country. The ground hosted the second One-day international last year between India and the Windies that resulted in an epic tie. India racked up 321, spearheaded by Virat Kohli’s 157 and the tourists, led by Shai Hope’s century managed to level the scores with India. Hence, this pitch could give the fans yet another run-fest.

Weather report:

The weather is forecasted as partly cloudy; however, throughout the match, the rains are unlikely. Nevertheless, with the humidity, dew could be a factor.

Head to Head:

Played: 131

West Indies won: 63

India won:62

Tied – 2

No result – 4

Stats that matter:

The Windies’ only victory in Vishakhapatnam in an ODI came in the year 2013, having defeated India by two wickets.

Virat Kohli’s score of 4 against the men in maroon is the lowest that he has made in his last nine innings. His scores against them before the first match were 140, 157*, 107, 16, 33*, 72, 120, 114*

Shai Hope’s score of 123* is the highest by a visiting batsman in this ground in a 50-over match.

Match prediction:

The momentum is tilted highly in favour of the Windies presently. Having said that, Virat Kohli’s men have found themselves in this do or die position more often in recent past. Their leader Virat Kohli relishes these challenges and could come out all guns blazing with the bat and as a captain, resulting in India’s victory.

Also Read: “No Comparisons, Want To Get Where Virat Kohli Is Today,” Says Babar Azam