Justin Greaves ruled out of 2nd ODI vs India with calf injury
Synopsis
West Indies lost their star centurion Justin Greaves to a calf injury ahead of the second ODI in Guwahati — the same innings in which he top-scored with 101 off 108 balls. It is a sharp setback for the visitors, who despite posting 296 and a blazing 135/0 opening stand, were ultimately undone by Kohli's unbeaten 139 and Kuldeep's 4-for.
Key Takeaways
Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second ODI against India in Guwahati with a calf injury .
Greaves sustained the injury while scoring 101 off 108 balls in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram .
India won the first ODI, chasing down 297 with four wickets in hand ; Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls .
Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of India's bowlers with 4 for 40 .
Guwahati has hosted two previous ODIs, with India winning both; all four innings there have exceeded 300 .
India are considering bringing in Mohammed Siraj , Auqib Nabi , Dhruv Jurel , or Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second ODI.
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second ODI against India in Guwahati after sustaining a calf injury during his century in the series opener at Thiruvananthapuram, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed on Tuesday, 29 September. The injury was picked up while Greaves was batting in what proved to be a high-impact knock in the first match of the series.
How the Injury Occurred
Greaves sustained the calf strain while scoring an impressive 101 off 108 balls in the first ODI. He had been integral to a blistering West Indies start, combining with John Campbell to put on 135/0 in just 19 overs, placing the visiting side firmly in command early in the innings. Campbell contributed 62 off 60 balls before India's bowlers regained the initiative.
CWI confirmed the development in an official squad update, stating: 'Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second game of the ODI series against India after sustaining a calf injury. Greaves picked up the injury during his innings in the opening match of the series.'
India's Dominant First-ODI Chase
Despite Greaves's century and a West Indies total of 296, India chased down the target of 297 with four wickets in hand at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Virat Kohli led the run chase with an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, while captain Shubman Gill contributed a composed 110 off 108 balls. Rohit Sharma also provided a positive start with 32 off 35 deliveries.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 40 to pull India back after the powerhouse West Indies opening stand. Nitish Kumar Reddy returned 1 for 45, debutant Naman Dhir went wicketless for 33 runs in his five overs, and Gurnoor Brar also remained wicketless in his 10-over spell that cost 60 runs.
What Guwahati Holds for India
The second ODI moves to Guwahati, a venue where India have won both of their ODI matches played there. Notably, Kohli has scored centuries in both those encounters, and Rohit has also notched a century and a half-century at the ground. All four innings at the venue have produced totals in excess of 300, making it a batter-friendly surface where bowlers from both sides can expect another stern examination.
India's Likely Team Changes and Windies Setback
The absence of Greaves is a significant blow to West Indies, given his dual value as a batting linchpin and all-round option. On the Indian side, the team management is reportedly weighing whether to bring in Mohammed Siraj or Auqib Nabi, both of whom were left out of the first ODI. There is also reported consideration of giving Dhruv Jurel game time, and a possibility of including Yashasvi Jaiswal as India look to seal the series with a game to spare.
With the series at 1-0 in India's favour, both camps will enter Guwahati aware that the pitch historically offers minimal relief to bowlers — setting up what could be another high-scoring contest.
Point of View
When unavailable, leave visible gaps. His 101 off 108 was not just a personal milestone; it was the engine behind a 135-run opening stand that briefly had India rattled. Losing him ahead of Guwahati, where totals routinely cross 300, weakens the visitors' batting depth at precisely the wrong moment. For India, this is a gift — but the more interesting subplot is whether the management takes this low-pressure opportunity to blood players like Jaiswal or Jurel before tougher assignments ahead.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Justin Greaves missing the second ODI against India?
Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second ODI in Guwahati due to a calf injury sustained while batting in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram. Cricket West Indies confirmed the news in an official squad update on 29 September.
How did Justin Greaves perform in the first ODI before getting injured?
Greaves scored 101 off 108 balls in the series opener and shared a 135-run opening stand with John Campbell inside 19 overs before India's bowlers pulled things back. Despite his century, West Indies fell short as India chased 297 with four wickets in hand.
Who won the first ODI between India and West Indies?
India won the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram, successfully chasing 297 with four wickets in hand. Virat Kohli starred with an unbeaten 139 off 88 balls, Shubman Gill made 110, and Kuldeep Yadav took 4 for 40.
What is India's record at the Guwahati ODI venue?
India have won both ODIs played in Guwahati. All four innings at the venue have produced totals above 300, and Virat Kohli has scored centuries in both games there, making it one of India's most productive home venues.
Could India make changes to their playing XI for the second ODI?
The Indian team management is reportedly considering bringing in Mohammed Siraj and Auqib Nabi, who were benched for the first ODI. There is also the possibility of including Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal as India look to clinch the series in Guwahati.
