Prasidh Krishna Ruled Out of Chandigarh ODI With Hamstring Injury

India have suffered an injury setback ahead of the third and final ODI against West Indies, with fast bowler Prasidh Krishna ruled out of the match in New Chandigarh after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Krishna was India's leading wicket-taker across the opening two games of the series, but his campaign has now been cut short after he experienced discomfort during the second ODI in Guwahati.

Krishna Leaves the Field in Guwahati

Prasidh Krishna bowled only five overs during the second ODI, returning figures of 1/45. He initially completed a four-over opening spell before coming back for one over during his second spell.

After bowling the 31st over, the Karnataka fast bowler walked off the field and did not return to the attack. India's support staff subsequently monitored the injury, with further assessment arranged to determine the extent of the problem.

The injury has now been confirmed as a hamstring issue, ruling Krishna out of the series finale.

Strong Start to the ODI Series

Krishna had been India's most successful bowler during the first two matches. He took 2/60 in the opening ODI in Thiruvananthapuram before adding another wicket in Guwahati.

Across the first two games, he claimed three wickets and bowled 16 overs. His ability to generate bounce and movement had made him an important part of India's bowling attack during the series.

India Already Seal the Series

Krishna's absence comes after India completed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

India won the first ODI by eight wickets before producing another eight-wicket victory in Guwahati. In the second match, West Indies scored 405/7, their highest ODI total, but India chased down the target in only 43.3 overs.

Shubman Gill's unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma's 101 powered India to 406/2, giving the hosts their highest successful ODI chase.

Final ODI in New Chandigarh

The third ODI will be played on October 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

With the series already decided, India could use the final game to examine additional bowling combinations and provide opportunities to players who have had limited involvement so far.

More Responsibility for the Remaining Pacers

Krishna's absence leaves Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar as the specialist fast-bowling options in the original ODI squad, while Auqib Nabi is also available.

Auqib received his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series after impressing in domestic cricket and being part of India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour. His inclusion gives India another pace option if the team decides to rotate its bowling attack.

Naman Dhir Also Provides an Option

Naman Dhir could also provide additional bowling support if India choose an all-round combination. Dhir made his ODI debut during the series and has already been given an opportunity as part of India's preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has indicated that the team intends to continue experimenting with different options during the period leading into next year's World Cup.

Recovery Will Be the Immediate Priority

Krishna is not part of India's upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, which begins on October 6. That gives him some time away from international competition to focus on his recovery.

However, the exact recovery timeline will depend on the medical assessment of the hamstring injury. India will monitor his progress before determining his availability for future assignments.

India Look to Complete a Clean Sweep

Despite losing one of their key bowlers, India will enter the final ODI with an opportunity to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The match also gives the hosts another chance to assess players and combinations ahead of their longer-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

West Indies, meanwhile, will look to end the series with a victory after producing a record-breaking batting performance in Guwahati but falling short in the chase.