Overview
- Kuldeep Yadav returned to ODI action and took 4 for 40 to break a 135‑run opening partnership and help restrict West Indies to 295 for 7.
- His four victims included John Campbell, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Jewel Andrew as a collapse of four wickets for 22 runs between overs 31 and 36 turned the game.
- Commentators and former player Irfan Pathan pointed to captain Shubman Gill's decision to delay Kuldeep's introduction until the ball was older as a key factor in the wristspinner's effectiveness.
- India's squad balance was shaped by the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar at the Asian Games, leaving Kuldeep and Ravindra Jadeja as the primary spin options.
- Kuldeep's match performance follows strong county form in September and strengthens his selection case by giving India a proven middle‑overs wicket taker as they chase 284.