India will host West Indies for the opening match of their three-game ODI series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27, with play set to commence at 2:00 PM IST. The contest marks a crucial step in both teams’ preparations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The most anticipated aspect of the series opener is the potential comeback of veteran duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been reinstated into the 15-member squad after missing India’s previous ODI assignment. Shubman Gill will retain the captaincy, with KL Rahul serving as his deputy.
Ravindra Jadeja also returns to add depth and experience to the spinning department. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel are vying for batting positions, creating healthy competition within the squad.
However, India faces some notable absences, with Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Axar Patel currently engaged with the nation’s Asian Games contingent. Notably, Nitish Kumar Reddy has withdrawn from the Asian Games to take part in this ODI series.
Meanwhile, the selectors have awarded first-time ODI call-ups to Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi, alongside Gurnoor Brar, who adds pace versatility to the bowling attack.
West Indies, on the other hand, will be captained by Shai Hope, who also dons the gloves behind the stumps. Opening batsman John Campbell makes a return following recovery from a hamstring strain and is expected to feature at the top of the order.
Ackeem Auguste remains sidelined due to ongoing rehabilitation from surgery, with Jewel Andrew stepping in as his replacement in the squad. Shimron Hetmyer has been rested for the ODI leg and is likely to rejoin the team for the upcoming T20I series, while Jason Holder continues to be absent from the tour.
The Caribbean side retains key figures such as Roston Chase, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales, supported by emerging talents including Jewel Andrew and Vitel Lawes.
India vs West Indies Probable Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar
West Indies: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (C/WK), Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
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