West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has sent out a stern warning to India ahead of the fourth ODI stating that the visitors are looking to win the series and not just compete.

West Indies defeated India by 43 runs in the third ODI in Pune to level the five-match series at 1-1. They also came close to winning the second ODI but unfortunately could not get over the line as the match ended in a tie.  

“I think we are going to take the next game even more serious and as long as we can be consistent in all three departments we will be looking to win the next games. We are not looking to compete anymore. We are looking to win,” Samuels said after the culmination of third ODI in Pune.

Meanwhile Indian captain Virat Kohli — who has been in prolific form throughout the series with three consecutive centuries to his name — is seeking a perfectly balanced side after losing the third ODI.

India went in with five bowlers in the third ODI in order to provide more stability to the bowling lineup but they clearly seem to be missing all-rounder Kedar Jadav in the side — who can provide runs lower down the order while also being handy with the ball — while the poor form of wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni is also a cause of concern for the home side. Dhoni’s last half-century came in December 2017 against Sri Lanka.

"You will always drift to one side when you don't have the balance. We have to think about the perfect balance we need," said Kohli after India’s defeat in the third ODI.

The fourth ODI between India and West Indies will be played in Mumbai on Monday October 29.

Squads

India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul and Manish Pandey.

Windies: Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy.