3 changes India can make for the 3rd ODI against West Indies

Cricknation Update: Team India (Photo by Andy Kearns/) India have wrped up the three-match ODI series against West Indies with a game to spare, winning both the first and second matches to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The third and final ODI is scheduled for October 3, 2026 at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. With the series already decided, the irrelevant stalemate provides an opportunity for India ctain Shubman Gill and the team management to rotate the playing XI and give some much-needed game time to the fringe players. Here are three changes India can consider for the final ODI.

India can make 3 changes for the third ODI against West Indies. Nitish Kumar Reddy in for Auqib Nabi Nitish Kumar Reddy (Source: BCCI/X) Nitish Kumar Reddy was part of India’s playing XI in the 1st ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthuram, on September 27, but his ball-in-hand performance proved costly and he did not get a chance to bat. He was later dropped from the second ODI and replaced by Auqib Nabi.

The J&K fast bowler made his international debut in Guwahati but conceded 85 runs in 8.5 overs. With Hardik Pandya’s fitness remaining a concern, Reddy’s development as an all-rounder is important for India’s long-term ODI plans, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Bringing him back for the third ODI will give him a chance to react and gain valuable international experience.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in for Shubman Gill Yashasvi Jaiswal (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media/) Shubman Gill has been in exceonal form across the first two ODIs, scoring a century in the 1st ODI at Thiruvananthuram and following it up with an unbeaten double century in the 2nd ODI at Guwahati. Since the series has already been won and Gill has made a huge contribution, it is fair to rest him. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is part of India’s ODI squad for this series, may be given a chance at the top of the order in Gill’s absence.

The third ODI in Mullanpur on October 3 will be a good platform for Jaiswal to gain some ODI experience before future assignments. Mohammed Siraj in for Prasidh Krishna Mohammed Siraj (Photo by Cameron Spencer/) Mohammed Siraj has been part of India’s ODI squad for this series but has not featured in either of the first two matches. Meanwhile, in the second ODI at the Barsara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, India’s bowlers faced difficulties and the team gave away 405 runs.

Prasidh Krishna, who played the first two games in the series, has been ruled out of the final due to a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Anshul Kamboj. Siraj should get a match, which will help him prepare for the upcoming New Zealand tour, where he is expected to play a key role.