Following a one-sided Test series that saw India display their cricketing prowess against West Indies, the action now shifts to Barbados as the white-ball leg of the tour gets underway with the ODI series. The Men in Blue showcased their batting and bowling excellence against a weak West Indies‘ side, clinching a commanding victory in the first Test, while the second red-ball encounter was a rain-affected encounter because of which it resulted in a draw.
As the focus turns to the limited-overs format, Team India views this ODI series as crucial preparations leading up to the impending ODI World Cup. The players will be eager to fine-tune their skills and foster seamless team chemistry, aiming to lift the coveted trophy on the grandest stage of them all.
On the other hand, the hosts, West Indies, are determined to come back strong and showcase an exciting brand of cricket. Disheartened after failing to qualify for the World Cup, the Caribbean team sees this ODI series as an opportunity for redemption and to rekindle their fans’ spirits.
THE VENUE
The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados has produced balanced wickets, assisting both batters and bowlers. The wickets here generally have pace and bounce, allowing bowlers to be assertive. But as the game progresses, the batters score runs, giving chasing teams an advantage.
India v West Indies Head to Head in ODI at Kensington Oval:
Matches played: 3
India won: 1
West Indies won: 2
TEAM ANALYSIS
West Indies
After failing to reach the World Cup and a poor performance in the Test series, West Indies will hope to have a big performance in the ODI series. The WI batting has serious firepower with Kyle Mayers, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell.
The paceman Oshane Thomas also Returned to the squad while experienced Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran are unavailable for this series. In contrast, the bowling attack may seem weaker with the lack of spin bowling options, but the pacers could be crucial for the West Indies’ chances.
Windies Squad for the ODI Series:
Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair and Oshane Thomas.
Probable Playing XI of West Indies:
Kyle Mayers, Shai Hope (c) (wk), Brandon King, Alick Athanze, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Gudakesh Moite, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph
India
The Indian team will hope to continue their winning form into the ODI series and build a formidable squad for the World Cup. The 50-over series could see a return of players like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal. Similarly, someone like Sanju Samson could get an opportunity to create a tested player pool for the World Cup. With a rock-solid top three and some experienced bowlers, Team India will be the clear favourites in this fixture.
Indian Squad for the ODI Series:
Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Surya Kumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya (vc), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.
Probable Playing XI of India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubhman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Dates, Timing and Telecast Info
Match Date: Thursday, July 27
Match Start Time: 7 PM IST
TV Channels: DD Sports
Live Streaming: Fancode and JioCinema
VERDICT FOR THE SERIES
In the India v West Indies ODI series, India will enter as favorites and are likely to clinch the Series. However, the unpredictable nature of the West Indies cannot be underestimated, making the series intriguing and possibly offering surprises. Fans can expect an exciting clash between the two teams as they battle it out on the cricket field.
Series Scoreline Prediction: India 2-1 West Indies
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