IND vs WI: Five players to watch out for in ODI Series
Team India will have a point to prove as they host West Indies in the white-ball series, comprising of three ODIs and as many T20Is. The action will get underway on February 6 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Men in Blue suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash against South Africa in their last ODI assignment in January 2022.
Hence, they would be determined to bounce back. On the other hand, West Indies are coming off a 3-2 win in the T20I series against England. Hence, they would aim to make a significant mark against the Men in Blue as well. It must be noted that the Indian camp has been hit with COVID-19 with four players from the squad testing positive. Hence, they have a stern challenge at hand.
Meanwhile, let’s look at five players to watch out for from India vs West Indies ODI series:
1. Rohit Sharma
This will be Rohit Sharma’s maiden assignment as full-time ODI captain and many eyes will be on him. The veteran opener, who would be making a comeback from injury, is one of the finest ODI batters going around. His numbers in the format are also phenomenal. Hence, the Caribbean bowlers must beware of him.
2. Rishabh Pant
One of the hottest properties going around in world cricket, Rishabh Pant seems to have cemented his place in playing XI across formats. Although his ‘careless’ shots have earned criticism at times, nothing can defy that the wicketkeeper-batter is a match-winner when on song.
3. Washington Sundar
With the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel being unavailable, Washington Sundar is likely to fill the all-rounder’s spot in the team. It’s a great opportunity for him to stake his claim in the first-choice team. Sundar, who made his only previous ODI appearance in 2017, can bowl economical overs alongside scoring handy runs in the end overs.
4. Shai Hope
An average of 51.36 after 86 ODIs speaks volumes of Hope’s prowess. Unlike other West Indies batters, the right-handed opener isn’t known for his big-hitting. He instead likes to prolong his stay at the crease. Hence, a second-stringed Indian bowling attack might face some trouble against him.
5. Jason Holder
Holder has been in some serious form lately and might possess a massive threat to the Indian team. He made the ball talk in the preceding T20I series against England and even scalped a double hat-trick in the deciding clash. Not to forget, he is also a handy batter lower down the order.
