For head coach Rahul Dravid, the “bigger picture” is what matters for the Indian team and not “each and every series” they play.

Dravid might be right in his views as India does need to have a look at a few of their youngsters and try a few options ahead of the 50-over World Cup which is just over two months away. That said, if India loses the deciding ODI to the West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on Tuesday, will it go down too well with the team?

Whether regular captain Rohit Sharma and his senior colleague Virat Kohli return for the final one-dayer or not is a different issue. But this group does consist of some players who are no less than superstars for their respective IPL franchises. And a series loss, that too against the current Windies side comprising very few players with experience, may not portray these IPL superstars in a very good light while they are also trying to cement their places in the national team.

Dravid and the rest of the team management thus have to bear that in mind. However, when giving opportunities to youngsters is a bigger priority than winning a series, India should look to accommodate Ruturaj Gaikwad in the XI instead of making him warm the benches. Rohit and Kohli’s return to the XI shouldn’t be thought about in that case.

At the same time though, weird tactics and experimentation with the batting line-up, like promoting Axar Patel to No.4 all of a sudden which was done in the previous ODI in Bridgetown, needs to be avoided. If Suryakumar Yadav keeps his place in the side, India could be better off if he bats in the top four instead of coming down the order.

Also, the team needs a meaningful contribution with the bat from all-rounder Hardik Pandya, particularly if the side remains unchanged.

Precisely, it has been a real struggle with the bat for India so far in this ODI series. Barring Ishan Kishan at the top, hardly anyone has looked comfortable out there in the middle. Losing all 10 wickets for just 91 after a 90-run opening stand by Kishan and Shubman Gill doesn’t at all bode well for India.

With the ball, Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav aside, the other bowlers couldn’t quite put the pressure back on the Windies batters even on a helpful Kensington Oval track. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey also needs to have a word or two with Umran Malik, who’s wicketless after two matches.

No one doubts his pace, but just running in and hurling deliveries in excess of 140kmph isn’t good enough. If this inexperienced Shai Hope-led Windies team can take him for runs, one wonders what his economy rate could be against stronger batting units.

Umran is still only 23, so he still has time to work on the necessary variations and not rely solely on pace.

India do need to pull up their socks as the Windies are in a much better frame of mind after a win with authority to level the series. If they keep playing with the right attitude, India may again feel the heat.