Shubman Gill-led India will take on Shai Hope’s West Indies in the first match of the three-game ODI series on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The match will be important for several Indian players, but the biggest focus will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players are now active only in ODI cricket at the international level. India will also be looking at Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has returned after recovering from injury.
Why Will Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Be Under Focus?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will once again be in the spotlight. With both players now playing only ODI cricket for India, their performances are expected to get a lot of attention.
Their age will also be a talking point during the series. Both players will look to make a strong start and give India a good platform in the first ODI.
Can Nitish Kumar Reddy Make An Impact?
Nitish Kumar Reddy has returned to the Indian team after recovering from injury. He had a decent outing with the ball against Afghanistan, but he will face a tougher test against West Indies.
The big question will be whether Nitish can bowl more than four overs. He will also need to maintain his pace and accuracy if he gets a longer spell.
Can Shubman Gill Get Back Among The Runs?
Captain Shubman Gill will also be keen to score big in the first ODI. The Indian captain has not made a big score in recent matches in either white-ball or red-ball cricket.
Gill will want to lead from the front against West Indies. A strong start to the ODI series could give him confidence going forward.
Can KL Rahul Make A Big Contribution?
KL Rahul is another player who will be expected to make a big contribution with the bat. He is likely to take the wicketkeeping role and bat in the middle order.
With several experienced players in the team, Rahul’s runs could be important for India’s middle order.
Who Will Lead India’s Bowling Attack?
Prasidh Krishna has been in very good form and will be one of India’s main fast-bowling options. His recent performances have made him an important part of the ODI setup.
Mohammed Siraj is also back in contention after missing the series against England. His return gives India another experienced fast-bowling option.
In the spin department, India have Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Both are expected to play an important role, especially if the pitch offers help to the spinners.
What Could India’s Playing XI Look Like?
India’s predicted XI could see Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal open the innings, followed by captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul could keep wickets and bat in the middle order, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy also part of the batting group.
The bowling attack could include Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.
India Predicted XI
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
What Could West Indies’ Playing XI Look Like?
West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, who will also take the wicketkeeping duties. John Campbell is expected to open the innings, while Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase will have key roles in the batting order.
The West Indies bowling attack could feature Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph, along with Gudakesh Motie.
West Indies Predicted XI
John Campbell, Shai Hope (c & wk), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
What Are The India And West Indies Squads?
India Squad
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Gurnoor Brar, Naman Dhir
West Indies Squad
John Campbell, Shai Hope (wk/c), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Jewel Andrew, Vitel Lawes, Keemo Paul