India and the West Indies face off in the crucial 2nd ODI of the 2026 series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, 2026.
The 2026 international cricket home season in India kicks off with a high-stakes limited-overs bilateral series between the India national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team. Running from September 27 to October 17, 2026, this tour features three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by five T20 Internationals. Among these, the 2nd ODI stands as a pivotal mid-series fixture that could determine the trajectory of the entire 50-over contest. Scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, this day-night match is a critical element in India’s early preparations for the upcoming 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The backdrop of this encounter is fascinating. India enters the series as the top-ranked ODI side in the world, while the West Indies are ranked eighth. However, with a highly competitive run through 2026, the visitors arrive with renewed confidence under the guidance of head coach Daren Sammy. Meanwhile, India faces selection challenges due to a scheduling clash with the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, forcing a blend of legendary veterans and fresh, uncapped talent into the squad.
Series Context and Core Match Information
The three-match ODI series serves as the opening act of India’s 2026–27 home international season. With the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe on the horizon, bilateral ODIs carry immense tactical weight. Teams are transitioning away from experimenting blindly and moving towards locking down stable positional structures.
For the 2nd ODI, the primary details are locked in:
| Parameter | Match Specifications |
|---|---|
| Fixture | India vs West Indies, 2nd One Day International (D/N) |
| Date | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
| Venue | Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA Stadium), Guwahati, Assam |
| Toss Time | 01:30 PM IST |
| Kickoff / Match Start Time | 02:00 PM IST (08:30 AM GMT) |
| Session 1 | 02:00 PM IST – 05:30 PM IST |
| Innings Interval | 05:30 PM IST – 06:00 PM IST |
| Session 2 | 06:00 PM IST – 09:30 PM IST |
Detailed Squad Breakdowns
The squad announcements for both sides reveal contrasting team building objectives. India is carefully managing workload and navigating the absence of several first-choice white-ball stars—such as Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Washington Sundar—who are either managing fitness or representing the country at the Asian Games. Conversely, the West Indies are fielding a squad mixed with seasoned white-ball travelers and exciting youngsters as they build towards the World Cup qualification cycles.
India’s ODI Squad
Led by opening batter Shubman Gill, India’s squad offers a unique mix of absolute experience and raw domestic talent.
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain: KL Rahul (wk)
- Specialist Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir
- Spin Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav
- Fast Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi
The biggest talking point for the hosts is the presence of modern greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Having last featured in an ODI during a series defeat in England, their inclusion underlines India’s intent to keep their veteran core active for next year’s World Cup. Simultaneously, the series marks a massive platform for uncapped domestic standouts Naman Dhir (Punjab) and Auqib Nabi (Jammu & Kashmir), alongside recent Test find Dhruv Jurel and explosive all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
West Indies’ ODI Squad
The visitors are led by their reliable anchor and wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope. Head coach Daren Sammy has selected a group optimized for subcontinental conditions.
- Captain: Shai Hope (wk)
- Specialist Batters: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford
- Wicketkeepers: Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew
- All-rounders: Roston Chase, Keemo Paul
- Spin Bowlers: Gudakesh Motie
- Fast Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Orlando Lawes
The West Indian unit sees the return of John Campbell following an injury layoff, alongside a prominent call-up for teenage sensation Jewel Andrew, who replaces the recovering Ackeem Auguste. Backed by the raw pace of Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, and the accurate left-arm orthodox spin of Gudakesh Motie, the bowling attack possesses the tools to trouble any batting lineup if conditions offer assistance.
Tactical Match-ups and Team Previews
India: The Transition and the Benchmark
The Indian team enters this second match with several structural questions to answer. With Shubman Gill captaining the side, the team dynamics are intriguing. Rohit Sharma remains a monumental figure at the top, which likely means a highly competitive hierarchy for the opening slot alongside Gill and the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal.
A major area of scrutiny will be the No. 4 position and the lower-middle order. In the absence of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul provides the stability at No. 5 or 6, leaving a slot open for either Ruturaj Gaikwad or domestic star Naman Dhir to make a claim.
Defensively, the bowling responsibilities will rest heavily on Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. Siraj has been in and out of the ODI rotation and will view this series as a vital audition to cement his role as the premier leader of the attack when Bumrah is rested. Kuldeep Yadav remains India’s primary weapon in the middle overs, hunting for wickets when batsmen look to rotate strike.
West Indies: Finding Stability and Subcontinental Rhythm
The West Indies cricket team has historically relied on explosive individual performances, but under Shai Hope, they have tried to cultivate a more measured, 50-over methodology. Hope himself is one of the premier anchors in world cricket, averaging close to 50 in the format, with an exceptional record on Asian soils.
The challenge for the Windies lies in their ability to construct partnerships against spin in the middle overs. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford will need to provide tactical balance, ensuring that the team doesn’t lose clumps of wickets to Kuldeep Yadav or Ravindra Jadeja.
On the bowling front, Alzarri Joseph’s ability to extract bounce from a traditionally skiddy Barsapara deck will be critical. If Gudakesh Motie can replicate his tight, disciplined spells, the West Indies can squeeze India’s heavy top order during the first powerplay and the middle phase.
Venue Guide: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium (officially the Assam Cricket Association Stadium) is renowned as one of the most high-scoring venues in Northeast India.
- Pitch Behavior: Traditionally, the pitch here is an absolute paradise for batsmen. The ball comes onto the bat beautifully with consistent bounce, allowing stroke-makers to play through the line effortlessly. However, because it is a late September fixture, early evening moisture and shifting humidity levels can play a role.
- The Dew Factor: As a Day-Night match starting at 2:00 PM, the second innings will be played entirely under lights. In Guwahati, dew can become an enormous factor as the evening progresses. A heavy layer of dew makes the ball slick, severely hindering spinners from gripping it and making chasing significantly easier.
- Ground Boundaries: The stadium has relatively moderate boundary dimensions, meaning mis-hits frequently clear the ropes. Spectators can safely anticipate a flurry of sixes, particularly during the second half of the match.
Broadcast, Live Streaming, and Channel Guide
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has multi-platform broadcasting agreements ensuring complete coverage across television and digital networks.
Television Broadcast (India)
The entire West Indies tour of India is broadcast live via the Star Sports Network. Fans can view the 2nd ODI across various Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) channels, featuring commentary in multiple regional languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
Live Streaming (India)
For digital viewers, the exclusive streaming rights belong to the JioHotstar platform. The match can be watched live via the JioHotstar app on mobile devices, tablets, and smart TVs, as well as on their official website, requiring an active subscription.
International Broadcast Matrix
| Region / Country | Television Channel | Digital Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | JioHotstar App & Website |
| United States & Canada | Willow TV | Willow TV Online / Sling TV |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go App |
| Caribbean / West Indies | Flow Sports / Rush Sports | Flow Sports App |
| Australia | Fox Cricket | Kayo Sports |
Ticket Details and Booking Information
Attending an international cricket match in Guwahati is an unforgettable experience, with the local crowd known for their vibrant energy.
- Where to Buy: Tickets for the 2nd ODI are primarily sold online through official ticketing partners like BookMyShow or Paytm Insider. A limited counter sale may occur at the ACA Stadium box office closer to the match date if inventory permits.
- Ticket Prices: Ticket pricing tiers are designed to accommodate all categories of fans. General public stands usually start from ₹800 to ₹1,500, mid-tier stands range between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000, while premium corporate boxes and luxury hospitality lounges can range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000+.
- Entry Protocols: Spectators are encouraged to arrive at the stadium at least two hours before kickoff (by 12:00 PM IST) to navigate security checkpoints smoothly. Digital ticket buyers must exchange their online confirmations for physical tickets at designated pick-up counters scattered across Guwahati prior to match day.
Head-to-Head History and Statistical Overview
The rivalry between India and the West Indies in ODI cricket is historic, originating from the eras of West Indian dominance in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the modern era has seen a massive shift in power dynamics.
- Total Matches Played: 142 encounters
- India Wins: 72 victories
- West Indies Wins: 64 victories
- Tied Matches: 2
- No Result: 4
Over the last decade, India has maintained a dominant upper hand, particularly in home conditions. The West Indies have struggled to win bilateral series in India for over twenty years. Despite this structural tilt, individual encounters remain highly volatile, given the explosive nature of Caribbean batsmen and their extensive familiarity with Indian pitches through domestic leagues.
Comprehensive Match Prediction
Predicting the outcome of an ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium requires evaluating team depth alongside the significant impact of external environmental factors like dew.
The Toss Impact
The toss will be incredibly influential. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first. Bowling second in Guwahati under a heavy evening dew makes defending any total difficult, as the ball becomes slippery and hard to control for both quicks and spinners.
Batting Power
India’s top order presents an intimidating front. Even with structural shifts, a lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill playing on a flat Guwahati track is heavily favored to post or chase down a massive score. The West Indies’ capability relies on whether explosive players like Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope can put together a massive partnership in the middle overs.
Final Prediction
While the West Indies possess a balanced white-ball squad capable of exploiting moments of complacency, India enters the 2nd ODI as strong favorites. India’s extensive familiarity with home conditions, superior spin department featuring Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, and deep batting lineup give them a clear structural advantage.
Expect a high-scoring game where batsmen rule the day, but India’s disciplined execution in the death overs should ultimately secure them the victory.
Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the India vs West Indies 2nd ODI 2026 match:
Match & Schedule FAQs
- When is the India vs West Indies 2nd ODI taking place?
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026. - Where is the venue for the 2nd ODI?
The match will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium (also known as the ACA Stadium) in Guwahati, Assam. - What time does the match start?
The live match kicks off at 02:00 PM IST. The official toss will take place 30 minutes prior, at 01:30 PM IST. - Is this a Day-Night (D/N) match?
Yes. It is a Day-Night fixture, meaning the second innings will be played entirely under stadium floodlights.
Squad & Team FAQs
- Who is captaining India in this ODI series?
Shubman Gill is leading the Indian ODI squad as captain, with KL Rahul serving as the vice-captain and primary wicketkeeper. - Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in this match?
Yes. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in the official ODI squad for this home series. - Who is leading the West Indies team?
The visitors are led by their veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, Shai Hope.
Broadcast & Streaming FAQs
- Which TV channel will broadcast the match live in India?
The match will be telecast live across the Star Sports Network in multiple regional languages (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada). - How can I live stream the 2nd ODI online in India?
You can stream the match live on the JioHotstar mobile app or through their official website. - Where can fans in the UK and US watch the match?
Fans in the United Kingdom can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket, while viewers in the United States can watch live on Willow TV.
Tickets & Venue FAQs
- How do I buy tickets for the match in Guwahati?
Tickets can be purchased online through official ticketing partners like BookMyShow or Paytm Insider. - What is the price range for the match tickets?
Ticket prices generally start around ₹800 for basic stands and can go up to ₹15,000+ for premium hospitality luxury boxes. - Will dew play a major role in the match?
Yes. Due to the late September climate in Guwahati, heavy evening dew is highly anticipated, making it significantly easier for the team batting second to chase down totals.
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