Kamboj Set for ODI Debut as India Make Changes Against West Indies

India have made several changes to their playing XI for the third and final ODI against the West Indies, handing a debut to fast-bowling all-rounder Anshul Kamboj after he was called up as an injury replacement.

Kamboj comes into the XI at No. 8, replacing Auqib Nabi. His inclusion suggests that the Indian team management sees him as a player capable of contributing with the bat if required. However, Kamboj has not directly replaced injured pacer Prasidh Krishna. Instead, Mohammed Siraj returns to the XI after sitting out the first two matches.

India have also made a notable change in the middle order, with Nitish Kumar Reddy replacing Ravindra Jadeja. It is an unusual combination for India, who rarely play without either Jadeja or Axar Patel. The last time both all-rounders were absent from India's final XI in an ODI, apart from the Afghanistan series, was in January 2023.

Having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, India opted to bat first after winning the toss. They had chased successfully in the opening two games.

The West Indies, meanwhile, were happy to chase. The visitors have struggled when batting first, having lost their last seven matches in that situation. They made three changes to their XI, bringing in Jewel Andrew, Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie.

Keacy Carty, Roston Chase and Shamar Joseph were left out, with the changes giving West Indies two frontline spin options in Motie and another part-time spin option in their bowling attack.

The match is also significant as it is the first men's ODI to be played in New Chandigarh.

India XI

1. Rohit Sharma

2. Shubman Gill (captain)

3. Virat Kohli

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad

5. KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)

6. Naman Dhir

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy

8. Anshul Kamboj

9. Kuldeep Yadav

10. Gurnoor Brar

11. Mohammed Siraj

West Indies XI

1. John Campbell

2. Jewel Andrew

3. Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper)

4. Amir Jangoo

5. Sherfane Rutherford

6. Keemo Paul

7. Matthew Forde

8. Gudakesh Motie

9. Alzarri Joseph

10. Jayden Seales

11. Vitel Lawes

With the series already decided, the third ODI provides India with an opportunity to test their bench strength, while Kamboj's debut will be one of the key talking points as the young all-rounder begins his international career.