There are rumours of clashes inside the BCCI and a Covid-19 attack in the camp, but an undeterred India will take field in the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, for the first ODI of the three match series in West Indies. The match will also witness Rohit Sharma's debut as full-time ODI captain. His rival, Kieron Pollard, is his vice-captain at the Mumbai Indians.
Indian's preparations took a hit when key top-order players were ruled out due to Covid-19, among other reasons. Ishan Kishan, a replacement and yet another Mumbai Indians player, will open with Rohit. Virat Kohli looked in touch in South Africa, and will want to get that long-awaited 44th ODI hundred.
One of Shahrukh Khan, added to the squad last night, and Deepak Hooda may get an ODI cap as well, in the middle order. Another option can be Washington Sundar, finally back after being down with injuries and Covid-19. India will look to continue with their five-bowler strategy and there will be quite a few interesting sub-plots.
Kuldeep Yadav was dropped after underwhelming displays in 2020 and 2021. He has not impressed in domestic cricket either, but the selectors have kept faith in him. He may be reunited with his spin partner Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal himself had not impressed in South Africa, and will want to prove a point: the selectors have already got young Ravi Bishnoi, whose attacking bowling can put the opponent under pressure in the middle overs.
West Indies are coming off after a busy January. After a shock ODI series defeat against Ireland, they came back strongly against England, winning the T20Is 3-2. They have the durable Shai Hope at the top, but Brandon King and Nkrumah Bonner are yet to find their mojo. However, the middle order – Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Pollard himself – is as explosive as any in the world. They may bring in Darren Bravo to counter the spinners.
Kemar Roach will return after two years to lead the bowling attack. Holder and Alzarri Joseph will be the other key pace bowling options. Akeal Hosein has made quick strides since the World T20 in October, and now will play as the lead spinner. He will be supported by Fabian Allen, who has just recovered from Covid-19, and Hayden Walsh Jr.
Likely XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies: Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicolas Pooran, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard (c), Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Kemar Roach, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Fantasy Tips
- Rohit and Kohli are two of the most popular fantasy pics. The other batting options are Suryakumar, Hope, and King.
- For the allrounder spots, Holder and Shepherd can be considered along with Sundar, if he is picked.
- Chahar, Roach, Chahal and Kuldeep are generally the wicket-taking options and can provide points.
Fantasy XI
Rishabh Pant; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Nicolas Pooran, Surya Kumar Yadav; Jason Holder (vc), Romario Shepherd; Deepak Chahar, Akeal Hosein, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kemar Roach.