India will face West Indies in the third and final ODI of the three-match series on Saturday, October 3, at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. India have already taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead, but the final match carries plenty of interest as both teams prepare for the next stage of their ODI campaigns.
The India vs West Indies 3rd ODI is particularly important for India's squad planning. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the team management has an opportunity to examine players on the fringes of the playing XI and continue building a strong group around captain Shubman Gill.
West Indies, meanwhile, will be determined to finish the series with a win after suffering two defeats despite producing some outstanding batting performances.
The third ODI will be played at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, in New Chandigarh. According to the BCCI's official match information, the game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM IST on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Match: India vs West Indies, 3rd ODI Date: October 3, 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 2:00 PM IST Venue: PCA International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh Series: West Indies tour of India 2026 Series score: India lead 2-0 Format: ODI Toss: Before the start of play Status: India have already won the series
This will also be an important occasion for the New Chandigarh venue, which is hosting its first men's ODI.
India secured the ODI series after winning the first two matches.
The opening ODI saw India chase down West Indies' total comfortably, while the second match in Guwahati turned into a spectacular run-fest.
West Indies posted an imposing 405/7, with their top order producing three centuries. Instead of being overwhelmed by the huge target, India responded with one of their most aggressive ODI chases.
Shubman Gill produced an unbeaten double century, while Rohit Sharma also reached three figures. India eventually completed the chase in 43.3 overs, winning by eight wickets.
The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the final match.
The second ODI also demonstrated the batting strength available to both sides. However, the bowling departments will want a much better outing in New Chandigarh after conceding more than 400 runs.
Shubman Gill has been one of the biggest stories of the series.
The Indian captain produced a sensational unbeaten 223 in the second ODI and played a central role in India's successful chase. His performance strengthened his position as one of the key figures in India's ODI plans.
Gill's leadership is also receiving attention. With India gradually building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, the captain has an opportunity to establish a settled combination while also giving opportunities to players competing for places.
The third ODI could therefore be more than just a chance to complete a 3-0 result. It could help India answer some important selection questions.
The India playing XI for the 3rd ODI will be officially confirmed at the toss.
With the series already secured, there is considerable interest in whether India will rotate some of their established players and give opportunities to members of the squad who have had limited involvement.
The Indian ODI squad announced by the BCCI includes Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dhir.
However, Prasidh Krishna has since been ruled out of the final ODI with a hamstring injury suffered during the second match. Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as his replacement.
That development has created another selection talking point ahead of the match.
The final team will only be confirmed at the toss, but the available squad gives India several options.
A possible combination could include:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Anshul Kamboj are among the other players who could come into consideration.
Reports ahead of the match have also focused on whether Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal could receive opportunities in the series finale.
Therefore, fans should wait for the official toss announcement before treating any predicted XI as confirmed.
West Indies have already shown that their batting lineup can cause problems for India.
Their 405/7 in Guwahati was a huge total, and the innings contained centuries from Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope and John Campbell.
Despite that effort, West Indies were unable to defend the score because India's batting attack produced an extraordinary response.
For the third ODI, West Indies will need their bowlers to find a way to create pressure early in India's innings.
Captain and wicketkeeper Shai Hope remains an important part of the batting order, while Amir Jangoo and John Campbell will be among the players expected to contribute at the top.
The West Indies squad also includes Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Vitel Lawes and Jewel Andrew.
The West Indies team has a difficult selection decision ahead of the final ODI.
The batting unit performed strongly in Guwahati, so the visitors could retain much of their successful batting combination. The bowling attack, however, will come under greater scrutiny after India chased 406 with 39 balls remaining.
Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales could have important roles with the new ball, while Gudakesh Motie provides a spin option.
The final XI will be confirmed at the toss.
The venue adds another interesting element to the IND vs WI 3rd ODI.
The PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh is hosting its first men's ODI. Information from the match centre indicates that batting conditions could be favourable, while the venue has already developed a reputation for producing high-scoring cricket in other formats.
That could create another interesting battle between India's powerful batting lineup and the West Indies bowling attack.
After 811 runs were scored in the second ODI in Guwahati, supporters may again expect plenty of runs. However, ODI cricket can change quickly, particularly if bowlers manage to exploit early movement or variations in pace.
The toss could also influence the match strategy, depending on the conditions on the day.
The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continues to add interest to India's ODI campaign.
Rohit produced a century in the second ODI and formed a massive opening partnership with Gill. His experience remains valuable as India work towards the 2027 World Cup.
Virat Kohli also remains an important part of the ODI setup. His experience in pressure situations and record in the format make him a player West Indies will have to plan carefully for.
The third ODI could provide another opportunity for both experienced batters to contribute while India continue assessing their long-term combination.
The ODI series will conclude in New Chandigarh, but the India-West Indies white-ball contest will continue.
The teams are scheduled to meet in a five-match T20I series, beginning in Lucknow on October 6. The remaining T20Is will be played in Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The BCCI's official schedule lists the final T20I for October 17.
The transition from ODI cricket to T20I cricket will bring significant changes, including different squads and selection priorities.
For India, the ODI series remains particularly relevant because the team is already looking towards the 2027 World Cup cycle.
The India captain is coming off an extraordinary double century. His form will be one of the biggest talking points heading into the final ODI.
After scoring a century in Guwahati, Rohit will be one of the players West Indies need to contain if he is selected again.
Kohli's experience makes him a major part of India's ODI batting group and another player to watch closely.
Siraj could have an important role if he returns to the XI. India's bowling attack will be looking for greater control after the second ODI.
The West Indies captain will be expected to lead from the front with the bat and help his team avoid a series whitewash.
After scoring a century in Guwahati, Jangoo will be one of the West Indies batters carrying confidence into the final game.
On paper, the third ODI may look like a match with the series already decided. But there is still plenty at stake.
India have an opportunity to complete a clean sweep and test players who are competing for places in the ODI squad. The team can also continue developing its combination ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
West Indies have a different objective. They need to turn their strong batting performances into a complete team performance and finish the series with a victory.
The New Chandigarh venue adds another layer of interest, while the possible changes to India's XI could make the toss particularly important.
The India vs West Indies 3rd ODI promises to be an interesting conclusion to a series dominated by India's batting.
India lead 2-0 after winning the opening two matches, including an extraordinary chase of 406 in Guwahati. Shubman Gill's double century and Rohit Sharma's hundred have been the defining performances of the series so far.
Now, attention turns to New Chandigarh.
India will look to finish the ODI series strongly, while West Indies will be determined to prevent a 3-0 result. With possible changes to India's playing XI, Prasidh Krishna ruled out and Anshul Kamboj added to the squad, there are also important selection questions surrounding the match.
The official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss, but one thing is certain: the final ODI has enough storylines to attract plenty of attention from Indian cricket fans.