IND vs WI: 1st ODI Preview – Depleted India take on confident Windies

Fresh after a thrilling 3-2 T20I series win over England at home, the West Indies embark on a challenging away tour against a formidable Indian side for six white-ball games, starting with the first of the three ODIs in Ahmedabad on February 6.

Much like most cricket in the pandemic time, the series has had its share of Covid-19 scare, with India not having the services of openers Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad alongside middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who are three of the seven members to have tested positive for the virus only days before the commencement of the series.

Mayank Agarwal has been added to India’s squad, which also marks the return of Kuldeep Yadav into the setup, and Washington Sundar, who comes back to international cricket after nearly half a year due to a finger injury. The series will also be Rohit Sharma’s first after being appointed as India’s full-time ODI captain as he missed the South Africa series with an injury, as India were clean-swept 3-0 under KL Rahul.

As for West Indies, Kemar Roach comes to the 50-over fold after over two years. Kieron Pollard will be leading alongside deputy Nicholas Pooran in the series, which will count towards the ICC ODI Super League, a qualification pathway for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Match Details

India vs West Indies, 1st ODI

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Date & Time: February 6th, 1:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

Head-to-Head

Probable Playing XIs

India

India have handed out maiden call-ups to young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and all-rounder Deepak Hooda, who is in line for a debut in a Covid-hit team missing key personnel.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav/Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies

West Indies wear a similar look with the majority of the players who were a part of the England T20Is being a part of the ODI squad. After impressive outings against the visiting England, Jason Holder and Pooran would be keen to emulate that in the 50-over format against a strong Indian team.

Predicted XI: Shai Hope (WK), Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein