The Indian cricket team is gearing up for their first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies, scheduled for Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.
During a recent practice session, batting legend Virat Kohli was spotted conversing with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has rejoined the squad to replace T20I captain Shreyas Iyer.
As the team prepares for the three-match ODI series, they are looking to optimize their lineup, especially with several senior players participating in the Asian Games in Japan. Notable players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja were present during the training.
Rohit and Kohli’s Return to the ODI Squad
Following their Champions Trophy 2025 victory, the upcoming series will see the much-anticipated return of ODI veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian team.
India faced a setback in their last ODI series against England in July, losing 1-2.
Player Performance Insights
In the realm of ODIs, Rohit Sharma stands as India’s third-highest run-scorer, amassing 11,895 runs across 288 matches and 280 innings, with an impressive average of 48.95, including 34 centuries and 62 fifties.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, boasts an extraordinary record with 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs and 302 innings, averaging 58.59, complemented by 54 centuries and 79 fifties. His prowess in run-chases is remarkable, having scored 6,235 runs in 111 matches at an average of 89.07, which includes 24 centuries and 29 fifties.
This year, Kohli has accumulated 384 runs in six innings, averaging 64.00 with a strike rate exceeding 106, featuring one century and three fifties.
Rohit has experienced fluctuations in form, scoring 379 runs in nine innings at an average of 42.11, with a strike rate above 99, including one century and one fifty, with his highest score being 138 against England at Lord’s.