India's Predicted Squad For The ODI Series Against West Indies

A red-hot India’s limited-overs side will square off against the Windies post the conclusion of the Test series against Bangladesh. The tour starts with the first T20 international in Mumbai on the 6th of December. A three-match ODI series will follow the next two T20 games. India and the Windies locked horns in the Carribean islands after the World Cup in which the tourists convincingly won the three-match series by 2-0.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan And Rishabh Pant Mainly Under Scanner As Selectors Gather To Pick The Squad for Windies Series

The Indian selectors have indicated resting some of their key players ahead of the home series against Australia next year in January and the tour of New Zealand post that. Nevertheless, India’s fringe players have equally put their hands up and look promising when handed chances. India’s squad for the ODI series is scheduled to be announced on 21st of November.

We at Cricket Addictor will take a look at the probable 15-member India squad for the three-match ODI series against West Indies:

Read More: 1st T20I Between India And West Indies At Wankhede In Jeopardy

Virat Kohli

After missing the T20I series against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli is likely to find himself back in the ODI squad to lead India against the Windies. The Delhi batsman can use this series to prepare himself for the high-profile series that follows not long after the conclusion of this leg. The 31-year old has amassed 11520 runs from 239 ODIs so far and may most likely cross the milestone of 12000 runs in the upcoming months.

Shikhar Dhawan

The elegant left-hander has had a lukewarm year so far in 50-over cricket. Having not featured fully in the World Cup and a torrid outing in the Windies, Shikhar Dhawan would be keen to make a mark in this series. With Rohit Sharma expected to remain on the sidelines, Dhawan will have to play responsibly to avoid putting pressure on Virat Kohli. While the men from the Caribbean are not tough opponents, the southpaw and the Indian team may not want to take them lightly.

KL Rahul

The right-hand batsman from Karnataka will assume the role of the opening batsman in the absence of Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul was called up at the expense of Shikhar Dhawan in the World Cup and responded well by scoring 361 runs nine matches. This series could be Rahul’s greatest opportunity to send the message to the selectors to be the opener always in contention. While the 27-year old has chipped in well for India; however, shuffling of batting positions and inconsistencies have stopped him from being a regularity.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has been long billed as the future of the Indian team. The 20-year old has a healthy record in all three forms of domestic cricket. Gill has an average of 46.29 in List A cricket that makes him a strong candidate to open the innings in case Shikhar Dhawan is left out of the squad. The Punjab batsman had been in a blistering touch in the Deodhar Trophy as well, scoring 145 runs in three games with the highest score of 143. While he has scored only nine runs in two ODIs he played, he can use the upcoming series to put his hand once again.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer emerged as a strong candidate for the number four position in India’s One-day setup. The Indian team has faced some problems with their middle-order, having lost crunch games, owing to this concern. In the series in Windies, Iyer grabbed the opportunity and made 136 runs in two games. He came equally good against Bangladesh in the recently concluded T20 series. The forthcoming series against Windies presents a chance to cement his position further in this Indian team. He will most likely bat at number four.

Manish Pandey

Yet another middle-order batsman who has the chance to solidify his spot in the batting order. Manish Pandey has long found himself on the sidelines. The series against the Windies provides him with the perfect platform to improve his numbers in the format. Since he has shown glimpses, he could also be promoted up the order in one of the matches.

Shivam Dube

Initially picked for his pyrotechnics with the bat, Dube announced his arrival with the ball in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Nagpur by picking up three wickets. The forthcoming series provides him with the launchpad to upgrade his skillset as an all-rounder for the limited-overs side. With Hardik Pandya out of the side currently, he could emerge as the fast-bowling all-rounder that India need.

Rishabh Pant

One of the members of the Indian team who is well aware of what is expected of him in this series. Rishabh Pant has hardly done justice to his talent in international cricket in abundant opportunities. While the selectors and the captain have got his back, able candidates are waiting in the wings. If his torrid run continues with the bat and gloves continue, the think-tank would be forced to make tough calls.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is one of the most valuable players in all the formats for India today. The bowling all-rounder has stayed on top in all the facets of the game in the recent past. His ever-growing skills make him an invaluable addition to the Indian side. With Australia coming to India next year and the men in blue travelling to New Zealand post that, Jadeja can be started to groom from now to give India the X-factor.

Kuldeep Yadav

After missing out on the last two T20I series, mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav may most likely be included to face the Windies in ODIs. Yadav is an adept wicket-taking bowler who has troubled batsmen since his debut and formed a potent spin attack along with Yuzvendra Chahal. The left-arm spinner has been one of the most productive bowlers in the middle-overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal

The leggie, after his impressive show against Bangladesh, will be keen to replicate his form against the men from the Caribbean. Chahal, along with Kuldeep Yadav looks as obvious inclusions to headline the spin attack since the likes of Washington Sundar and Krunal Pandya haven’t produced the required goods. Chahal went fairly expensive against Bangladesh; however, he produced wickets in crucial junctures.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has proved himself as the mainstay of India’s bowling attack in Test cricket. His numbers in 50-over cricket are overwhelming too; however, more preference is given to Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With Jasprit Bumrah not available before the series against Australia, the selectors can provide a chance to Shami to translate his form in limited-overs as well.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The Meerut pacer is nursing an injury and has not played for India since the Windies tour. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently under observation and has participated in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He is presently getting assessed and could make it in time for the series. Bhuvneshwar is also one of the best new ball and death bowlers going around.

Deepak Chahar

After his sensational run in T20 internationals, Deepak Chahar can also be tried in the 50-over format. The 27-year old recorded the best bowling figures in T20 international cricket in the third T20 international against Bangladesh in Nagpur. He can move the ball both ways early in the innings and can equally outsmart the batsmen in the death overs.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has not found himself frequently in the coloured clothing since the advent of Jasprit Bumrah. His inability to bowl the yorkers, especially in the death overs has resulted in conceding valuable runs. However, he made a strong comeback to the Test team by rattling the South Africans first and then Bangladesh. With the frontline bowlers likely to miss out, the speedster could be recalled to fill their void.

Also Read: Axar Patel, Krishnappa Gowtham To Receive Call-Up For T20I Series Against West Indies – Reports