For India, the Guwahati ODI is another opportunity to assess personnel and combinations ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Their three-allrounder combination of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja and Naman Dhir is expected to continue, with Mohammed Siraj likely to remain on the bench. Reddy’s bowling will be under the spotlight after he conceded 17 runs in his opening over in the first ODI before recovering with four more economical overs, including a wicket in his final over. With Hardik Pandya’s fitness still a consideration, Reddy’s development as a seam-bowling allrounder remains significant.
Jadeja also has a chance to strengthen his World Cup credentials in Axar Patel’s absence, while Naman could again be called upon with the ball. Kuldeep Yadav needs two wickets to reach 200 in men’s ODIs.
West Indies will have to reshuffle after Justin Greaves, who scored a century in the opener, was ruled out with a calf injury. Jewel Andrew could move up the order, while Sherfane Rutherford is expected to return after missing the first ODI for personal reasons. West Indies could also consider Shamar Joseph or Vitel Lawes to add more wicket-taking threat.
The Guwahati weather is expected to be hot, with temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius and a chance of thunderstorms. Rohit Sharma is 73 runs away from 12,000 ODI runs, while Virat Kohli has already reached 15,000.