The stage is set for an enthralling clash as West Indies take on India in the 1st ODI at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on July 27. Both teams have rich cricketing histories, having each won the ODI World Cup twice.
However, this series takes on an intriguing twist as West Indies finds themselves out of the upcoming World Cup after a disappointing campaign in the qualifiers.
For West Indies, the ODI series holds the opportunity to rebuild and make a statement despite missing out on the World Cup. With no pressure of qualification, they can play with freedom and try to rediscover their white-ball fortunes.
On the other hand, India is gearing up for the home World Cup and will be keen on resuming their preparations with a strong performance in this series. They have some key players missing, including Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, providing an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark ahead of the mega event.
In the last few months, India has focused on T20s and Tests, but they will now shift their attention back to the ODI format. Players like Shubman Gill, who impressed in Shikhar Dhawan’s absence, will be eager to solidify their spots in the team.
The Kensington Oval has witnessed some low-scoring contests, and seamers have played a significant role in past matches. Moderate temperatures are expected, providing an ideal setting for the teams to battle it out.
West Indies will have the boost of Shimron Hetmyer’s inclusion in the squad, but they will miss the services of Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran for this series.
For India, Suryakumar Yadav will aim to bounce back after a challenging ODI series, and he might get a longer run in the absence of Shreyas Iyer.
The team management will have to make a decision on the wicketkeeper’s spot, with both Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan vying for a middle-order position. The visitors have a wealth of pace options to choose from for the playing XI.
As the teams lock horns in this exciting encounter, cricket enthusiasts can expect a thrilling battle between two talented sides. West Indies, playing without the burden of qualification, might unleash their potential against a determined Indian team looking to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the World Cup.
The 1st ODI promises to be an intriguing affair, and fans will eagerly anticipate the cricketing spectacle that unfolds at the Kensington Oval.
IND vs WI 1st ODI: Playing XI
West Indies Probable XI: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (C & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas, Jayden Seales/Yannic Cariah
India Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan/Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mohammed Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat/Mukesh Kumar
IND vs WI 1st ODI: Full Squads
West Indies Squad: Shai Hope(w/c), Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Alick Athanaze, Rovman Powell, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Dominic Drakes, Yannic Cariah
India Squad: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad
