KL Rahul's Unbeaten 129 and Rohit's 92 Set West Indies 352-Run Target in 3rd ODI
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Staging a magnificent counter-attacking recovery from the jaws of an early top-order collapse, Team India posted a formidable total of 351 for 7 in 50 overs against the West Indies in the third One-Day International at New Chandigarh on Saturday, October 3, 2026. After winning the toss and electing to bat first on a responsive surface, the hosts suffered an immediate nightmare start, losing two of their frontline superstars for just four runs on the board. However, a composed rebuilding effort led by veteran opener Rohit Sharma, followed by an explosive batting blitz from KL Rahul—who walked in at number five to plunder an unbeaten 129 off just 87 deliveries—completely dismantled the Caribbean bowling attack, setting the West Indies a challenging target of 352 runs to win.
Shock Top-Order Jolt: Captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli Fall Inside Two Overs
The Indian innings opened with high drama as the West Indies pace attack capitalized on early seam movement:
Captain Gill Removed Cheaply: Returning to lead the side, captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just 1 run with only three runs on the scoreboard, edging behind to give the visitors an early breakthrough.
Virat Kohli’s Golden Duck: In a stunning turn of events on the very next ball, talismanic batter Virat Kohli walked back without troubling the scorers, falling for a golden duck (0) at 4/2 to silence the capacity home crowd.
Jayden Seales on the Attack: Speared by fast bowler Jayden Seales, who emerged as the most successful bowler for the West Indies, the Caribbean bowling lineup applied early pressure before India's middle order took control of the contest.
Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad Lead the Rebuild With 137-Run Stand
Refusing to let the early double-strike derail India's game plan, the experienced Rohit Sharma anchored the ship alongside top-order partner Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Calculated Counter-Attack: Rohit took charge of the crisis, blending trademark pull shots with crisp ground strokes to score 92 runs off 85 balls, studded with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, falling agonizingly close to what would have been a well-deserved century.
Ruturaj’s Composed Fifty: Supporting from the other end, Ruturaj Gaikwad crafted a resilient 57 runs off 69 deliveries, clearing the boundary ropes with four sixes and one four.
Solid 137-Run Recovery Partnership: The duo put together a game-changing 137-run partnership for the third wicket across 132 deliveries, taking the total to 141 before Gaikwad departed, laying the ideal launchpad for the death overs.
KL Rahul Goes Berserk: Carnage at the Death With Dheer and Gurnur Brar
Walking in at the fall of the middle-order wickets, KL Rahul unleashed an exhibition of high-class power-hitting in the final fifteen overs:
Scintillating 129 Not Out: Batting at the crucial number five slot, Rahul dismantled both pace and spin, scoring 129 off only 87 balls* at a strike rate approaching 150, smashing 10 fours and 6 massive sixes.
65-Run Stand With Naman Dheer: Rahul found aggressive support in Naman Dheer, who blasted 30 runs as the pair added 65 runs in just 43 balls for the fifth wicket to maintain attacking momentum through the middle overs.
Explosive Finish With Gurnur Brar: Rahul dominated the closing overs alongside tailender Gurnur Brar (8)*, orchestrating a late-innings blitz of 61 runs off just 26 balls for the eighth wicket to push India past the 350-run mark.
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