WI vs IND | How Can India Win 3rd ODI in Tarouba, Trinidad? 

image-lkql6bd3India lost the 2nd ODI comprehensively [AP]

After securing a one-nil victory in the Tests, India had a tremendous start to the ODI series against West Indies, swatting aside the hosts by five wickets in Bridgetown, Barbados. However, West Indies made a remarkable comeback in the subsequent fixture, crushing the visitors by six wickets. As the caravan moves to Trinidad and the Men in Blue gear up for the decider, let's analyse how they can win the final and clinch the series. 


Better application from middle order batters

image-lkql5bkhIndian middle order crumbled twice in Barbados [AP]

Despite the blistering start provided by the openers, India managed a paltry 181 on the board in the second ODI, courtesy of their fragile middle order. While Suryakumar Yadav couldn't convert his start to a big knock, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja let the team down, throwing their wickets cheaply. 

It was the second consecutive time the Indian middle order collapsed in the series. So, moving on to the 3rd ODI, the Indian think-tank would like an improved show from the middle-order batters, who haven't stepped up in the series so far. 


Better Utilisation of the new ball

In the absence of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and Mukesh Kumar have been opening the bowling for team India. However, both the bowlers had an ordinary outing, failing to get early breakthroughs with the new ball. 

Also, India's third seamer Umran Malik hasn't picked a single wicket in the series. So, although the spinners have performed admirably, India would want their seamers to strike at crucial junctures in this match.


Settle the batting order

The Indian think tank was slightly more experimental regarding their batting order in the first two matches. While the first game saw skipper Rohit Sharma coming to bat at number seven, Axar Patel was strangely promoted to number four in the second match. 

However, with the series at stake, India must refrain from conducting such bizarre experiments and use the batters as per their suitable entry points in the decider. 


Hardik Pandya, the all rounder, must step up

image-lkql38ryPandya has had two ordinary outings in the series [AP]

Prominent Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn't had a great time in ODIs recently. Regarded as one of the cleanest strikers, Pandya averages a meagre 15.6 in his last five ODI innings. Talking about this series, the 29-year-old has managed only 12 runs, including two single-digit scores, in two appearances. 

He hasn't been exceptional with the ball either, as he has scalped a solitary wicket at a modest economy of 5.69. So, considering the importance of the series decider, India must be hoping for a turn-around from Pandya.