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Kohli eyes another stellar outing as India fine-tunes pace attack

India cruised to victory in the first ODI against West Indies behind Kohli's sparkling form and Gill's captaincy innings, but questions linger over the pace bowling combination ahead of the second match.

LSN India · 30 September 2026

Kohli eyes another stellar outing as India fine-tunes pace attack

India's batting firepower was on full display in the opening one-day international against West Indies, with Virat Kohli once again delivering a commanding performance to anchor the successful chase. Captain Shubman Gill also made a telling contribution with the bat, as the hosts secured a comfortable victory in what was an emphatic statement of intent.

However, the Indian management faces a selection puzzle in the bowling department, with the pace unit still a work in progress. The second ODI will provide an opportunity to test tactical adjustments, with Mohammad Siraj potentially returning to the fold after his absence from the first match. The team may also consider handing the new ball to Nithish Kumar Reddy as part of their ongoing experimentation with the fast-bowling lineup.

All eyes will also be on whether off-spinner Akib Nabi makes his debut in the series, signalling another shift in India's composition. While the batting unit has offered few concerns, the coaching staff's pursuit of the right pace bowling template remains a priority as India builds toward the next major tournament. Kohli is expected to remain the focal point of India's batting strategy in the second ODI at the same venue.