India's predicted XI for the fifth ODI against West Indies

Kohli is a relieved man after India's clinical performance in the fourth ODI
Kohli is a relieved man after India's clinical performance in the fourth ODI

West Indies' chances of an ODI series win in India were buried in Mumbai when the host destroyed them by 224 runs in the penultimate game of the ODI series. After India's huge win in the fourth ODI, the series now stands at 2-1 in favor of the home side.

India need nothing but a win to pocket the ODI series while West Indies has a rare chance to end the series 2-2. After Kohli's heroics in the first three ODIs, it was Rohit Sharma's turn in the fourth ODI as he smashed a scintillating 162.

India is not expected to make a lot of changes for the final ODI of the series after a clinical performance in the fourth ODI. Manish Pandey and Lokesh Rahul are yet to play a game and with the series still alive, chances look slim for the duo.

On that note, let's take a look at India's predicted XI for fifth ODI against West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on November 1.

Openers: Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are expected to walk into the playing XI for the final ODI of the series. Despite his below-par performances in the second and third ODI, Rohit Sharma got back to his best in the fourth ODI with a stunning 162.

After a brilliant 2018 Asia Cup, Shikhar Dhawan has failed to convert starts in the ODI series against West Indies. With scores of 4, 29,35, and 38, Dhawan is due for a big score in the final game of the series.

Dhawan is 71 short of 5000 runs in ODIs and could become one of the fastest players to reach the milestone. India is not expected to tinker with arguably the best opening partners in ODI cricket at the moment. Expect no surprises here.

Middle-Order: Virat Kohli (C), Ambati Rayudu, and MS Dhoni

Kohli is in scintillating form
Kohli is in scintillating form

The Indian captain will continue to feature at the number three slot. The 29-year-old scored his 36th, 37th, and 38th ODI hundreds of his career in the first three games of the series. He has already amassed 420 runs in the series and has looked simply phenomenal with the bat.

Ambati Rayudu finally played a knock that has eluded him for a long time. The 33-year-old became the first batsman from outside the top three to score an ODI hundred for India since January 2017. Rayudu will most likely occupy the No.4 slot.

The former Indian captain is going through a rough patch. With the highest score of only 36 in his last 10 ODIs, Dhoni is struggling for runs at the moment. With the 2019 World Cup in mind, India would want to continue with Dhoni and expect him to get back to his best.

All-rounders: Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja

Kedar Jadhav gives an additional bowling option to Kohli
Kedar Jadhav gives an additional bowling option to Kohli

Kedar Jadhav was drafted into the squad for the final two ODI games of the series and immediately made it to the playing XI for the fourth ODI. He made an unbeaten 16 in his comeback game and is expected to keep his spot for the final game. Rishabh Pant has failed to impress in the first three games and with the No.5 spot still undecided for the 2019 World Cup, selectors would want to give Jadhav an extended run.

Ravindra Jadeja edged out Chahal for the second spinner spot in the fourth ODI because of India's batting collapse in the third game. Ever since his comeback into the Indian team, Jadeja has been bowling well and making useful contributions with the bat. With the Indian middle-order looking fragile, Virat Kohli will want the luxury of having an all-rounder in the No.7 spot and Jadeja is the best there is in Hardik Pandya's absence.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the best new ball bowlers in the world right now
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the best new ball bowlers in the world right now

One of India's best new ball bowlers right now, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to open the bowling once again with Jasprit Bumrah. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a little off-color in the previous two games with figures of 1/70 and 1/30. With the Australia tour coming, Kohli would want his premier bowler to get back to his best, sooner rather than later.

India's best ODI bowler and No.1 in the ICC rankings, Jasprit Bumrah was impressive in the series so far. He returned to the side at Pune after being rested for the first two games of the series and finished with 4/35 in his 10. Bumrah has been hugely successful and consistent for India in the past 12 months. Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have forged a lethal partnership for India in the bowling attack and expect them to lead India to another series win.

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel produced a brilliant spell in the 4th ODI
Khaleel produced a brilliant spell in the 4th ODI

Kuldeep Yadav will play ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the final ODI against West Indies. Kuldeep Yadav is the highest wicket-taker in the ODI series with eights wickets in just three games. With figures of 3/67, 2/52, and 3/42, Kohli cannot afford to drop his in-form spinner for the series decider. The 23-year-old is only behind Jasprit Bumrah and Rashid Khan in the current ICC ODI bowler rankings.

After some excellent domestic performances, the 20-year-old Khaleel is making it count in the international arena. Khaleel Ahmed was impressive in the fourth ODI and finished with figures of 3/13 in five overs. He troubled the West Indies batsman with his pace and swung the ball both ways. It will be really hard for Kohli to drop a bowler who is improving with every game. Khaleel completes India's bowling attack.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram