The Indian tour of West Indies starts tomorrow with the first ODI. It promises to a very exciting series as it will be India’s first series after head coach Anil Kumble’s resignation, and West Indies, who have been lacklustre the past, would want get the confidence of their home fans back.
Here’s a look at the probable XI for the first match of the ODI series.
Shikhar Dhawan:
The swashbuckling left-hander is the best opener in India right now and is coming off the back of a highly successful Champions Trophy. He will be expected to carry on his form and continue plundering runs in the islands.
Ajinkya Rahane:
As Rohit Sharma is being rested for this series, Rahane has the golden opportunity to stay in contention. He will be the other opener and will look to capitalize on the below-par West Indian side. Rahane needs a few games under his belt and this is the best opportunity.
Virat Kohli:
Shrouded by controversy but his class can never be in doubt. Virat Kohli will be the number 3 in the series and will look to further his legacy in international cricket by hitting a few tons in the series.
Yuvraj Singh:
Probably his last tour of the West Indies, Yuvi will look to make the most of it and score well whenever the opportunity presents itself. He is an experienced batsman and will look to keep the middle order healthy with his batting.
MS Dhoni:
The legendary Indian keeper-batsman might also be playing his last tour of the West Indies but there is no doubt that Dhoni can still produce the goods when required. He is still the best keeper in the world and will look to lend some expertise to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.
Kedar Jadhav:
The diminutive right hander will be looking to play his shots and get back to form after hardly getting a sniff in the Champions Trophy. He will also look to bowl a few overs when called upon and pick up wickets.
Hardik Pandya:
Riding off a wave of fantastic batting in the final of the Champions Trophy, Pandya will look to go all guns blazing. He is on a high and could cement his place permanently as India’s premier fast bowling all-rounder.
Ravindra Jadeja:
Not the most popular man in India now, but Jadeja still remains an important member of the India squad. He will be electrifying to watch on the field and will look to pick wickets with his off spinners.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
Ashwin too, is desperate for some game time and the series poses the best opportunity for him to win some fans back. He can wreak havoc in the West Indian ranks and is not going to give them any space to hit.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
One of the brightest spots for India in the Champions Trophy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will look to continue his fine form. He is expected to pick wickets in the first few overs before applying the pressure in the final overs with his deadly Yorkers.
Umesh Yadav:
The pacer finds his spot thanks to Bumrah’s option of sitting out the series. Yadav has tremendous pace that can be the difference in the West Indies. He will trouble batsman throughout if he finds the right line and length.
