WI vs IND 3rd ODI: Three player battles to shape the series decider

With the series locked at 1-0, the 3rd ODI between Windies and India will be the decider and thus both teams will be looking to come out all guns blazing.

On paper, India is a better ODI team than Windies but the home side has individual performers who can take the game away in no time. Hence the player match-ups in this game becomes even more important. Here we look at the top three player battles that will shape the Windies versus India 3rd ODI.

#3. Ewin Lewis vs Kuldeep Yadav:

The Windies opener looked in good touch in the second ODI and so far has done well to negotiate India’s new-ball bowlers. His real challenge, however, lies in the middle overs when he faces the mystery spin of Kuldeep Yadav.

Lewis is known for his big hits and aggressive approach but so far he has failed to dominate Kuldeep and has struggled against him.

Can he reverse the trend and tonk Kuldeep for a few big hits in the third ODI?

Lewis vs Kuldeep in ODIs: 

Total balls bowled: 43

Total runs scored: 32

Total dismissals: 3

Batting strike-rate: 74.41

#2. Shimron Hetmyer vs Ravindra Jadeja:

Once hailed as a huge batting talent, Shimron Hetmyer is currently struggling to build an ODI inning. He has literally thrown away his wicket on occasions and has looked vulnerable on bowling friendly surfaces.

His biggest threat though will be Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner is not known to turn the ball a lot but has the ability to keep it straight and force a mistake from the batsmen.

The game of patience between Hetmyer and Jadeja will be worth watching.

Hetmyer vs Jadeja in ODIs so far:

Total balls bowled: 56

Total runs scored: 69

Total dismissals: 2

Batting strike-rate: 123.2

Also check: WI vs IND 3rd ODI: Top three fantasy picks

#1. Virat Kohli vs Jason Holder:

The Indian skipper is the leading scorer against Windies and averages 70-plus against them. But Jason Holder is one bowler he has struggled to score runs against.

His strike rate drops to a mere 77.01 against Holder and he has got out against Holder thrice in the past. Kohli looked in serene touch in the last ODI and batted solidly against Holder. Can he do the same in the third ODI?

Kohli vs Holder in ODIs so far:

Total balls bowled: 174

Total runs scored: 134

Total dismissals: 3

Batting strike-rate: 77.01