First ODI: Rohit and Kohli reunite, Gaikwad may replace Jaiswal

The first of three ODIs between India and West Indies will be played on Sunday, September 27, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Several key players are in Japan for the 2026 Asian Games, but the selection committee has still named a strong Indian squad, led by young captain Shubman Gill.

Veteran batsman Rohit Sharma is almost certain to play, and will open the innings alongside captain Shubman Gill. Yashasvi Jaiswal may have to wait for his chance. Former captain Virat Kohli will bat at number three. Rohit Sharma had scored a century in the last ODI against England at Lord's.

With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, there is some uncertainty over the number four spot. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Naman Dhir and Dhruv Jurel are contenders for the position, but Gaikwad has a better chance of getting the nod because of his international experience. Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul will bat at number five, while all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja will handle the lower middle order.

Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy will be eager to make the most of this opportunity against West Indies. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, supported by Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna. Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Aaqib Nabi Dar is also part of the squad, but is unlikely to get a game in the first match.

With Washington Sundar and Axar Patel occupied at the Asian Games, the main responsibility in the spin department will fall on Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep was part of the squad during the England series but did not make the final eleven in any match.

India's likely playing eleven: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar.