West Indies opener Justin Greaves has been sidelined for the second One Day International (ODI) in Guwahati owing to a calf injury. His participation in the third match, slated for 3 October in New Chandigarh, also remains uncertain.
The setback occurred during the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. Greaves, despite visibly struggling and receiving frequent attention from the physio, managed to notch up his first ODI century. Battling through discomfort, he scored a commendable 101 off 108 balls before falling lbw to India’s Kuldeep Yadav. His injury, however, prevented him from taking the field in India’s innings.
For the West Indies, this is a significant hurdle. Already trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, they lose a key player in Greaves, who has been in fine form. Since the beginning of 2025, he has amassed 528 runs in 19 ODI innings, ranking third among West Indies’ run-scorers. Additionally, his medium pace has fetched the team seven wickets.
In light of his absence, Jewel Andrew might be promoted to open the batting alongside John Campbell. As Sherfane Rutherford returns to the squad following his personal leave, he is expected to bolster the middle order.
In the opening clash, the West Indies posted a decent total of 295 for 7, but India chased it down comfortably within 41.4 overs, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory. As the teams gear up for the second ODI on Wednesday and the concluding match on 3 October, anticipation builds ahead of the subsequent five-match T20I series starting on 6 October, from which Greaves will be absent.
Greaves’ contribution remains irreplaceable, and the team will look to rally and overcome his absence as they aim to level the series.
