India vs Windies 2018: 1st ODI, India's Predicted Playing XI

After dominating the Test series, India will set its eye on the five-match ODI series against Windies. In fact, a better fight is expected from the visitors in the 50-overs format despite the missing of their big players. The first ODI will take place at Guwahati and the Men in Blue will like to take the first right step in the series. We try to decode India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first ODI.

On the other hand, Windies were not up to the mark in the Test series. Therefore, the tourists will like to turn the tables in the ODI series. However, it is not going to be easy for them. They will certainly have their work cut out against the Indian juggernauts.

Meanwhile, India will look to fill in the missing gaps in their team. The number four position has been India’s Achilles Heel and Ambati Rayudu is expected to get his chances after a decent show in the Asia Cup.

India will aim to give youngsters a go in the quest to find their perfect combination and test their bench strength ahead of the World Cup.

Here is India’s Predicted Playing XI for first ODI.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma will open the innings for the team. India’s limited overs deputy was in fine form in the Asia Cup and will look to continue his good touch going.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan will be coming high on confidence after a splendid show in the Asia Cup. Dhawan was the highest run-getter in the tournament and will like to torment the Windies attack.

The run machine will come back.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will come back into India’s ODI side after getting rest for the Asia Cup. Thus, Indian skipper will look to hit the ground running and he should not have any issues against the depleted Windies.

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu had grabbed his chances in the Asia Cup. The right-hander had scored two fifties and will like to seal the number four position with consistent performances.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has impressed with his performances in the Test matches. Hence, the southpaw batsman might make his ODI debut against the Windies.

Dhoni will like to find form.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s form is a cause of concern for the team. Dhoni has been brilliant behind the stumps. However, he hasn’t looked at his best with the bat.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has had a merry one last month. Jadeja has scored runs and has also done well with the ball. Consequently, it is a perfect opportunity for the all-rounder to take his chances with both hands.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav had done well in the red ball version against the visitors. Hence, the mystery chinaman spinner will like to continue with his good show.

India will like to start in style.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal’s wickets column has dried up in the recent past. Therefore, the leg-spinner will like to get back amongst the wickets.

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed had come up with impressive performances in the Asia Cup. India doesn’t have a left-seamer in their ranks and thus it won’t be a bad idea to groom the young fast bowler.

Mohammed Shami

It has been a long time since Mohammed Shami played a white ball game for the Men in Blue. Shami has been outstanding in the red ball version and would look to carry on his form. Thus, Shami makes the cut in India’s Predicted Playing XI.