India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI 2019, Key Players: Shimron Hetmyer, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran and Other Cricketers to Watch Out for in Vizag

After facing a shocking defeat in the opening encounter, India will eye redemption in the 2nd ODI against West Indies. The match will be played on December 18 in Vishakhapatnam. Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer were the batsmen who came good in the first match and will look to extend their winning run. On the other hand, India might include Yuzvendra Chahal in the playing XI to strengthen their bowling attack. The second encounter could well decide the fate of the series and both the sides must leave no stones unturned to clinch the upcoming clash in Vizag. India Vs West Indies, Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match.

Amidst the battle, Virat Kohli (1292), Rohit Sharma (1268) and Shai Hope (1225) will also tussle to become the highest ODI run-scorer in 2019. In the bowling department, Sheldon Cottrell delivered a sensational bowling performance in Chennai and the Men in Blue must vary off. For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami will need to put up better bowling performances in order to turn the tables around for the host team. So, as the 2nd India vs West Indies ODI gets set to the cards, let’s look at some key players who can come good in the encounter. India vs West Indies Head-to-Head ODI Record.

Rishabh Pant

The young wicket-keeper batsman silenced many of his critics with his maiden ODI half-century in the opening clash of the series. He scored 71 off just 69 deliveries and helped his side post 288 in the first innings. However, his effort went in vain later and Pant will eye to put up an even better performance in order to help his side to level the series.

Shimron Hetmyer

Hetmyer continued his love affair with the Indian bowlers in Chennai and played an inspired knock. His 139 runs guided West Indies over the line and the Indian bowlers must be planning to restrict the maverick in Vizag. So, it will interesting to see, whether the dasher will extend his golden run or the Indian bowlers will get better of him.

Ravindra Jadeja

Time is running out for the Gujarat-born all-rounder in white-ball cricket as Hardik Pandya is regaining fitness and is likely to make a comeback soon. So, Jadeja needs to display a brilliant show in the do or die match to prove his mettle again. The 31-year old, however, didn’t enjoy a great outing with either ball or bat in the first clash and must be eyeing to make a sensational bounce back.

Sheldon Cottrell

The left-arm pacer has been at his premium best in the ongoing tour and is bowling sensational spells one after another. Cottrell has been especially brilliant with the new ball and has given the Indian batsmen a tough time. The speedster even dismissed Kl Rahul and Virat Kohli for cheap scores in the opening ODI and the Men in Blue must be watchful against him the next encounter.

Nicholas Pooran

Hetmyer is not the only southpaw in the Caribbean batting line-up who can turn the tables around single-handedly. Pooran can also top the batting charts on his day as his hitting ability is certainly second to none. With the experience the 24-year old gained in the Indian Premier League, Pooran would want to come good in the second ODI to help his side seal the series.

Both the sides must be gearing up for the second clash and one can expect a nail-biting encounter in Vizag. West Indies have a golden chance to script history by thrashing the might Indians in their own backyard. On the other hand, Virat Kohli and Co will not want to disappoint the home crowd and must give their level best to settle the scores.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).