India opted to bat first against the West Indies in an intriguing ODI debut for New Chandigarh. Anshul Kamboj, brought in as an injury replacement, was handed his debut cap by Virat Kohli. The team decision was unexpected since Kamboj replaced Auqib Nabi at No. 8, but Mohammed Siraj filled the spot of the injured bowler, Prasidh Krishna. This move suggests a strategic confidence in Kamboj’s batting ability, should he be called upon.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also came into the team, replacing Ravindra Jadeja. It’s quite a rarity for India to play without both Jadeja and Axar Patel. The last such instance, besides this series against Afghanistan, was back in January 2023. After wrapping up the series 2-0 with successful chases, India’s choice to bat first was a calculated decision.
Meanwhile, the West Indies made their approach known by preferring to chase, breaking their recent trend of losing seven consecutive matches when setting a target. They shuffled their lineup with Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde, and Gudakesh Motie joining their side, replacing Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, and Shamar Joseph. This meant the West Indies now had two dedicated spinners in their playing XI.
As this marked the first men’s ODI match at New Chandigarh, it was a landmark occasion for both teams.
India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anshul Kamboj, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies’ Playing XI: John Campbell, Jewel Andrew, Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper), Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes.
