India vs West Indies 3rd ODI Prediction 2026: Match Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather

India and West Indies will meet in the third and final ODI on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, New Chandigarh. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM IST, with India entering the contest after winning the opening two games by eight wickets each.

India sealed the series in the second ODI in Guwahati after completing a remarkable chase of 406. West Indies posted 405/7, their first men’s ODI total above 400, but India’s top order responded with another dominant batting display. Shubman Gill smashed an unbeaten 223 from 133 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed 101 from 75 balls.

The first ODI had also followed a similar pattern. West Indies scored 295/7 before India reached 300/2, with Virat Kohli making an unbeaten 139 and Gill scoring 110. The results leave India with a clear 2–0 series advantage, while West Indies need a victory in Mullanpur to avoid a 3–0 clean sweep.

Prasidh Krishna Injury Adds a Selection Question

India’s preparation for the final ODI has been affected by the injury to Prasidh Krishna. The fast bowler suffered a left hamstring injury during the second ODI and has been ruled out of the series finale. The BCCI has added Anshul Kamboj to the squad as his replacement.

Kamboj’s inclusion in the squad does not mean that he will definitely play. Mohammed Siraj is also available as an experienced pace option, while India’s management could make further changes because the series has already been decided. The official playing XI will only be confirmed at the toss.

What Makes the 3rd ODI Interesting?

The prediction picture is shaped by two contrasting factors. India have produced two convincing wins and their leading batters are in exceptional form, while West Indies have demonstrated that their batting lineup can produce a very large total.

The Mullanpur conditions add another variable. Current venue indicators suggest useful pace and bounce for seamers early in the innings, with batting becoming more comfortable once players settle. The weather outlook is also currently favorable for a full match, with hot and mostly clear conditions expected.

India come into the third ODI in excellent recent form. They have already won both matches of the current series, beating West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI and again by eight wickets in the second ODI. The second match was particularly dominant, with India chasing 406 in just 43.3 overs.

Shubman Gill has been the standout batter during the series. After scoring 110 in the first ODI, he produced an unbeaten 223 from 133 balls in the second match. Rohit Sharma also made a century in Guwahati, while Virat Kohli contributed another important unbeaten hundred in the opening game.

West Indies have had a more inconsistent recent ODI run. Their batting, however, has shown considerable potential. In the second ODI, John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all scored centuries as West Indies posted 405/7, their first 400-plus total in men’s ODI cricket.

The problem for West Indies was their bowling response. India reached 406/2 in 43.3 overs, meaning the visitors were unable to defend an unusually high total despite producing one of their strongest ODI batting performances in recent years.

The biggest selection question for India is how they replace Prasidh Krishna, who has been ruled out of the third ODI after suffering a left hamstring injury during the second match in Guwahati. Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as his replacement, but his inclusion in the final XI is not confirmed.

Mohammed Siraj is one of the leading options to take Prasidh’s place, while Kamboj could also come into consideration if India decide to give the youngster an opportunity. With the series already won, there is also a possibility that India rotate the batting order.

Could Yashasvi Jaiswal Get a Chance?

Another selection possibility is Yashasvi Jaiswal coming into the playing XI. Since India have already secured the series, the management has the flexibility to assess players who have not featured in the first two matches.

Reports have also raised the possibility of Rohit Sharma being rested, which could open the door for Jaiswal. However, this remains a selection possibility rather than confirmed team news. The final decision will be known when India announce their XI at the toss.

India’s Probable XI

Based on the current squad situation and the available selection information, the probable combination is Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj and either Auqib Nabi or Anshul Kamboj.

The West Indies squad remains largely settled for the third ODI, with Shai Hope continuing as captain and wicketkeeper. John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves and Sherfane Rutherford provide the main batting options, while Roston Chase and Keemo Paul add all-round depth.

West Indies’ batting showed its potential in the second ODI. John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all scored centuries as the visitors posted 405/7. Despite that huge total, India completed the chase in 43.3 overs, making the bowling performance the major area that needs improvement.

West Indies’ Main Selection Questions

The West Indies have several bowling options in the squad, including Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde and Videl Lawes. Gudakesh Motie provides the principal specialist spin option, while Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales bring pace to the attack.

The final combination could depend on how the team assesses the Mullanpur conditions. The venue has shown useful pace and bounce, which could make the fast-bowling combination particularly important during the opening overs.

West Indies Probable XI

The probable combination is John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales.

India and West Indies have a long history in men’s ODI cricket, but for this prediction the most relevant evidence is the teams’ current form and what has happened during this three-match series.

India have won both completed ODIs in the current series. The first ODI was won by eight wickets after India successfully chased 296, while the second ODI produced another eight-wicket victory after India chased West Indies’ 405/7 in only 43.3 overs.

What the First Two ODIs Tell Us

The first match highlighted India’s ability to control a chase without losing many wickets. Virat Kohli scored 139 not out and Shubman Gill made 110, while Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets for 40 runs.

The second match was even more significant from a batting perspective. West Indies became the first side to score more than 400 in an ODI against India in this series, but India still completed the chase. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma’s 101 powered a 255-run opening partnership.

These two matches show that West Indies possess enough batting strength to put India under pressure, but India have so far been more effective at converting strong batting starts into successful results.

For the third-ODI prediction, the current series evidence therefore carries significant weight. West Indies have demonstrated that they can score quickly, but India have produced two highly efficient chases and enter the final match with the series already secured.

India have scored 300/2 and 406/2 in the opening two matches of the series. The remarkable part is not only the size of the totals but the limited number of wickets India have lost while chasing. Their top order has consistently converted starts into substantial scores.

Shubman Gill has been the central figure. He scored 110 in the first ODI before producing an unbeaten 223 from 133 balls in Guwahati. His combination of timing, strike rotation and boundary hitting has made him one of the most important players in the third-ODI prediction.

Virat Kohli also made an unbeaten 139 in the first ODI, while Rohit Sharma followed with 101 in the second. That gives West Indies multiple high-quality top-order batters to manage rather than a single obvious scoring threat.

West Indies Need Early Wickets

The first two matches suggest that West Indies cannot rely solely on defending a large total. Their bowling attack needs to create pressure during the powerplay and prevent India’s openers from settling into another long partnership.

Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales are likely to have an important role with the new ball. Their ability to extract movement or pace from the Mullanpur surface could determine how much pressure India face during the first ten overs.

Middle Overs Could Again Favour India

If India reach the middle overs with wickets in hand, their batting depth gives them several ways to maintain the scoring rate. Kohli, Gill, KL Rahul and the all-round options provide flexibility, while Ravindra Jadeja adds another experienced option if the match requires a controlled finish.

On current series evidence, the India batting unit enters the third ODI with considerable momentum. The key question for West Indies is whether their bowlers can produce a different start at Mullanpur and prevent another dominant partnership at the top.

West Indies produced their strongest batting performance of the series in the second ODI, scoring 405/7 in 50 overs. John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo all reached three figures, giving the visitors a strong platform against India’s bowling attack.

Campbell scored 101 from 68 balls, Hope made 104 from 94, while Jangoo contributed 114 from 77. Their combined performance showed that the West Indies top and middle order can score at a very high rate when they settle at the crease.

The challenge for West Indies is to repeat that batting consistency while also responding to India’s spin threat. Kuldeep Yadav reached 200 ODI wickets during the second match and remains an important option through the middle overs.

India’s Bowling Plan

India’s bowling attack has several different options for the Mullanpur conditions. Mohammed Siraj can provide pace and movement with the new ball, while Gurnoor Brar and other seam options can be used to maintain pressure during the early stages.

Kuldeep Yadav is particularly important once the ball becomes older. His ability to attack through the middle overs gives India a wicket-taking option against batters looking to build another large West Indies total.

Ravindra Jadeja also provides control and variation, allowing India to change the pace of the innings when West Indies attempt to accelerate. The combination of pace and spin gives captain Shubman Gill several bowling options depending on the match situation.

Can West Indies Repeat 400-plus Batting Form?

The second ODI demonstrated that West Indies can score heavily against India. However, repeating a 400-plus total requires another strong contribution from the top order and sustained scoring through all three phases of the innings.

If West Indies lose early wickets, India’s bowling attack could make it difficult to reproduce the scoring rate seen in Guwahati. If Campbell, Hope and the middle order again establish partnerships, the visitors have the batting resources to post a challenging total.

The third ODI could therefore hinge on the opening ten overs and the middle-over battle. West Indies need another substantial batting performance, while India will look to prevent the visitors from building the type of partnerships that produced 405/7 in Guwahati.

The third ODI will be played at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, New Chandigarh, commonly referred to as the Mullanpur venue. Current venue indicators suggest that the surface can provide assistance to seamers during the early stages, particularly when there is pace and bounce available from the pitch.

At the same time, the conditions are not expected to make batting consistently difficult. Once batters get through the initial phase and adjust to the pace of the surface, the ball can come onto the bat well. That makes the powerplay an important period for both teams.

How the Pitch Could Play

Seam vs Spin at Mullanpur

Available venue data indicates that seam bowling has accounted for a larger share of wickets than spin at the ground. One current dataset puts the wicket share at approximately 64.7% for seam and 30.2% for spin. Because the available ODI sample at the venue is limited, these figures should be treated as an indicator rather than a definitive prediction of how the pitch will behave.

That trend makes the new-ball contest particularly relevant. India’s pace attack and West Indies’ fast bowlers could both have opportunities if they hit the right areas early in the innings.

What Batters Need to Do

Batters should ideally avoid taking unnecessary risks during the opening overs. Once they become comfortable with the pace and bounce, stroke play can become easier and the scoring rate may increase.

The second ODI is also a useful reminder that this series has already produced extremely high-scoring cricket. West Indies made 405/7 before India chased the target in 43.3 overs, so the Mullanpur surface should not automatically be treated as a low-scoring or purely bowler-friendly venue.

Overall, the available evidence points toward a balanced ODI surface rather than an extreme batting or bowling wicket. The first ten overs, the quality of new-ball bowling and how quickly the batters adapt could have a significant influence on the match.

The third ODI is scheduled for a 2:00 PM IST start at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, New Chandigarh. Current forecasts indicate hot afternoon conditions, with temperatures expected to be around 33–35°C during the main part of the match.

Rain does not currently appear to be a major threat. Different forecast sources show slightly different precipitation estimates, but they generally point toward a very low rain probability and mostly clear or sunny weather. Conditions can still change closer to match time, so the final forecast should be checked on the morning of the game.

Will Rain Affect the 3rd ODI?

Based on the latest available forecasts, a rain interruption does not currently look like a major concern for the scheduled match. The forecast window around the afternoon is predominantly dry, which should provide both teams with favourable conditions for a full ODI.

Heat Could Influence the Match

The bigger environmental factor could be the afternoon heat. Temperatures around the mid-30s Celsius can make a long 50-over match physically demanding, particularly for fast bowlers and fielders.

The toss therefore remains relevant from a tactical perspective. Captains may consider the expected heat, surface behaviour and how the pitch changes through the afternoon when deciding whether to bat or bowl first.

Overall, the weather outlook is currently favourable for India vs West Indies. The forecast should nevertheless be treated as time-sensitive, particularly because conditions can change between the current forecast and match day.

Shubman Gill vs West Indies New-Ball Attack

Shubman Gill is the most obvious batting focus after his performances in the opening two ODIs. He scored 110 in the first match and then produced an unbeaten 223 from 133 balls in Guwahati. His ability to score quickly while remaining at the crease for a long period has been central to India’s successful chases.

West Indies will need to create pressure against Gill during the opening overs. Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales could be particularly important in this phase because early movement and pace may provide their best opportunity to prevent another major Gill innings.

Virat Kohli vs West Indies Pace

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 in the first ODI and followed it with 29 in the second. His experience in ODI cricket gives India another established option in the top order, especially if West Indies manage to remove one of the openers early.

The West Indies bowlers will need disciplined lines against Kohli rather than relying only on pace. If India preserve wickets through the powerplay, Kohli can become an important factor during the middle overs.

John Campbell vs India’s New-Ball Bowlers

John Campbell arrives at the third ODI after scoring 101 from 68 balls in the second match. His aggressive approach can give West Indies a strong start if he survives the initial spell from India’s fast bowlers.

India will therefore have an incentive to attack Campbell early rather than allowing him to establish another high-scoring partnership. The opening overs could set the tone for the West Indies innings.

Shai Hope vs Kuldeep Yadav

Shai Hope’s role is different from Campbell’s. Hope can provide stability while the more aggressive batters attack around him. He scored 104 in the second ODI and will again be important if West Indies want to build another substantial total.

Kuldeep Yadav could become a major factor once the game moves into the middle overs. He reached 200 ODI wickets during the second match and gives India an attacking spin option against established batters.

These matchups should be especially important during the first 20 overs. If India’s top order survives the new-ball period, the hosts can again build a substantial chase. If West Indies’ openers establish themselves early, India could face another demanding bowling spell.

The toss prediction is naturally less certain than the match assessment because the result depends on a random event. However, the expected conditions provide some context for the decision that the captain may face after winning the toss.

With the match beginning at 2:00 PM IST, both teams are expected to deal with significant afternoon heat. The pitch could also offer its best assistance to fast bowlers during the early stages, making the first innings powerplay an important tactical period.

What Could the Captain Choose?

A captain winning the toss could consider bowling first to use the early pace and bounce before the surface becomes more settled for batting. Chasing also provides a clear target and allows the batting side to assess the required run rate throughout the innings.

On the other hand, the recent series has produced two very successful chases. India chased 296 in the first ODI and then completed a remarkable 406-run chase in the second ODI. That recent evidence makes batting second an important tactical option, although it does not guarantee the same outcome in the third match.

The actual decision will depend on the pitch inspection, weather conditions and team combination on October 3. The toss should therefore be treated as one factor in the overall prediction rather than a decisive indicator by itself.

The second ODI provides the strongest recent benchmark for the third match. West Indies scored 405/7 in Guwahati, while India responded with 406/2 in only 43.3 overs. The first ODI was also productive, with West Indies making 295/7 before India chased the target with eight wickets in hand.

Mullanpur is expected to offer useful pace and bounce early, so the team batting first may need to negotiate the new-ball period before accelerating. Once the batters settle, the available conditions should allow a strong scoring rate.

Projected Score Range

Projected First-Innings Score: 310–325

For this prediction, a first-innings total in the 310–325 range is a reasonable projected benchmark if the batting side gets through the powerplay without significant damage. This is an editorial projection, not a guaranteed score or an official forecast.

The recent series results show that totals around 300 can still be vulnerable against India’s current batting lineup. West Indies may therefore need to push beyond the 320 mark if they bat first and want to put India under sustained pressure.

The projected range should be adjusted after the toss and once the final playing XIs are announced. The confirmed combination of fast bowlers, all-rounders and batters can materially change the expected scoring pattern.

India enter the third ODI with a 2–0 series lead and have already secured the three-match series. Their batting has been particularly consistent, with scores of 300/2 and 406/2 in the opening two matches. West Indies, meanwhile, have shown that their batting can produce a very high total, but their bowling has struggled to contain India’s chase.

The prediction also accounts for India’s current squad situation. Prasidh Krishna is unavailable because of a left hamstring injury, while Anshul Kamboj has been added as his replacement. The final Indian XI is still to be confirmed, so any rotation because of the already-decided series could alter the assessment.

Why India Rate Higher in This Assessment

India’s biggest advantage is the consistency of their top order. Shubman Gill has scored 110 and 223* in the first two matches, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also produced centuries during the series.

India have also demonstrated the ability to chase very different targets. They completed a 296-run chase in the first ODI and then successfully chased 406 in the second. That gives the hosts a strong recent reference point in both moderate and extremely high-scoring scenarios.

How West Indies Can Change the Assessment

West Indies’ route to victory starts with the powerplay. Early wickets against India’s top order would significantly change the match dynamics. Their own openers also need to reproduce the aggressive start seen in Guwahati.

If West Indies can post a substantial first-innings total and then take two or three early Indian wickets, the match could become much more evenly contested. The visitors have already demonstrated that their batting has the capacity to produce 400-plus totals.

India vs West Indies 3rd ODI is expected to be another competitive high-scoring contest at Mullanpur, but the evidence from the first two matches gives India the stronger statistical case in this prediction. India have won both ODIs by eight wickets and have produced two highly effective batting performances while chasing.

India’s top order has been the biggest difference between the teams. Shubman Gill has scored 110 and 223* in the series, Virat Kohli made 139* in the first ODI, and Rohit Sharma followed with 101 in the second. The depth available behind them also gives India several options if an early wicket falls.

Why India Could Win

Why West Indies Can Still Challenge India

West Indies should not be dismissed because their batting has produced substantial totals. In the second ODI, Campbell, Hope and Jangoo all scored centuries and the team reached 405/7.

The key difference will be whether West Indies can combine that batting production with early wickets. India successfully chased 406 despite losing only two wickets, so the visitors need a significantly more effective bowling performance if they want to reverse the series pattern.

Projected Match Scenario

The prediction points toward another match where a first-innings score around or above 300 could be competitive, while a total in the 320-plus range would provide a stronger platform. The Mullanpur surface is expected to offer some early assistance to seamers before becoming more comfortable for established batters.

If India bat first and their top order survives the initial spell, a score in the 320-plus range is possible. If West Indies bat first, their recent 405/7 performance demonstrates the ceiling of their batting unit, although reproducing that level will require another exceptional innings.

This prediction is based on the teams’ performances in the first two ODIs, current squad information, recent batting form, the expected Mullanpur conditions and the available matchup evidence. The confirmed playing XIs and toss can change the tactical picture before the match.

The match details, squad updates and injury information are based primarily on official BCCI, ICC and Cricket West Indies sources. Recent match statistics and performance context are supported by established cricket reporting.

• BCCI: India vs West Indies 3rd ODI Match Details
• BCCI: Prasidh Krishna Injury and Squad Update
• ICC: India vs West Indies ODI Series Coverage
• Cricket West Indies: West Indies Limited-Overs Squad Announcement
• Cricket West Indies: West Indies Fixtures
• Reuters: India vs West Indies 2nd ODI Report
• OneIndia: Mullanpur Weather Forecast

The overall prediction is based on India’s stronger results across the first two ODIs, their exceptional top-order form and the difference in how effectively the two teams have converted their batting performances into results.

West Indies have shown genuine batting strength. Their 405/7 in the second ODI included centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo. However, India responded with 406/2 in 43.3 overs, highlighting the challenge facing the visitors’ bowling attack.

The third ODI could again be influenced by the opening overs. Mullanpur may offer useful pace and bounce to the seamers early, while settled batters should have opportunities to score once they adjust to the conditions.

This remains a pre-match prediction. Prasidh Krishna’s absence, possible rotation in India’s XI and the final team combinations could influence the tactical balance. The confirmed playing XIs and toss should be checked before the match begins.