When India plays the West Indies in the third ODI at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, October 3, all-rounder Naman Dhir of India has stated that he anticipates a competitive total of 290–300 on the New Chandigarh pitch. The third game is a dead rubber because India has already won the series 2-0, but Dhir said the team is still focused on performance.
New Chandigarh pitch has traditionally favoured batters
Batters have historically benefited from the new Chandigarh pitch, and the second ODI in Guwahati was a high-scoring event with 811 runs scored in 93.3 overs. Dhir thinks there will be enough assistance for the hitters to reach the 300-mark, even though another annoyingly high-scoring game might not take center stage.
The occasion will be made more significant by the fact that the third ODI will be the first men’s ODI held at the freshly constructed venue. I am unable to evaluate it at this time because I have not yet seen the wicket. On the eve of the series finals, Naman Dhir told reporters, “Maybe 290–300 can be a good score,” as reported.
The West Indies struck 405/7 in the second ODI at Guwahati, putting pressure on India’s bowling line. Amir Jangoo scored 114, Shai Hope scored 104, and John Campbell scored 101 as the visitors amassed a huge total. India’s bowlers gave up a lot, and Dhir admitted that he needed to improve going forward. Regarding his own bowling, the Punjabi-born stated that he had prepared himself even though he had not bowled during the IPL.
Our goal as a bowling unit is to improve. Early restriction of the West Indies is our goal. In the past game, we gave up a lot of runs. With the bounce, our fast bowlers will prove useful in South Africa. I bowled in the Sher-E-Punjab League, but not in the IPL. During the IPL, I also concentrated on my bowling,” the young player disclosed.
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Since New Chandigarh is the all-rounder’s home ground, the third ODI also has special meaning for him. He has demonstrated his ability to contribute across the order and has no set batting position in the current India system. During the IPL, he batted at number seven, but he said he is at ease playing any role the Indian side needs in a particular game.
Batting plans are not set in stone. There won’t be many technological modifications. I suppose I can bat in both the top order and the lower order because I batted at number seven in the IPL. When I’m playing on my home pitch, I’ll keep things pretty basic. I am really appreciative of it,” Dhir thought.
With the Men in Blue already leading the series 2-0, the third and final ODI will be a dead rubber match.
