India sealed the ODI series against West Indies 2-1 with a comprehensive victory over the hosts in Trinidad on Tuesday.
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀! ☺️
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 1, 2023
Congratulations #TeamIndia on winning the ODI series 🙌 🙌#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/NHRD8k5AGe
Put in by West Indies on a good batting track, four Indian batters scored half-centuries as the visitors powered their way to 351/5 in 50 overs. Shubman Gill top-scored with 85, and was ably supported by opening partner Ishan Kishan (77).
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In reply, West Indies could only muster 151. After Mukesh Kumar broke the back of the batting lineup by dismissing both openers and number four Shai Hope to leave them at 17/3 in the eighth over, wickets at regular intervals ensured the chase simply sputtered out.
Here are three things we learnt from the game.
Kishan is fast becoming India's premier left-handed option
With a third half-century on the trot, Ishan Kishan made the most of this West Indies tour, potentially earning himself a place in the Indian World Cup squad.
MORE: Ishan Kishan-Shubman Gill set record opening partnership
There is a dearth of left-handed options in the top and middle order for India, especially since Rishabh Pant may very well not be fit for the World Cup. While Shubman Gill is the most likely to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, Kishan has definitely staked a claim for a spot in the squad.
3️⃣ ODIs
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 1, 2023
3️⃣ Fifty-plus scores
1️⃣8️⃣4️⃣ Runs
Ishan Kishan was impressive & consistent with the bat and won the Player of the Series award 🙌 🙌#TeamIndia | #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/cXnTGCb73t
Samson makes his case for selection
After failing to make use of a good opportunity in the second ODI, Sanju Samson showcased his ability in a brisk innings of 51 off 40 balls here, with his intent to score quickly catching the eye more than his final tally.
If KL Rahul and/or Shreyas Iyer are not fit to play at the World Cup, a spot in the middle order is up for grabs, and that could be Samson's if he is able to show some consistency.
MORE: Three things we learnt from India's loss to West Indies
Hardik Pandya rediscovers his touch
The third ODI saw Hardik Pandya rediscover the kind of explosive batting that put him on the map in the first place. He struck four fours and five sixes on his way to 70 not out off 52 balls. On form, he is undoubtedly India's best finisher, and this is the version of Hardik that India needs most.
Suryakumar Yadav has had a patchy ODI career at best, but batting at number six yesterday, he struck a fluent 35 off just 30 deliveries. Perhaps playing him further down the order as a finisher mimics T20 situations that he excels at, and could pay dividends for both player and team.
What next for Team India?
Starting on 3 August is the five-match T20 series against the West Indies, followed by a T20 series in Ireland, where Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side.
India will then shift focus to the Asia Cup and the visit of Australia for an ODI series before the World Cup begins in October.
MORE: Jasprit Bumrah to captain India T20I squad against Ireland
