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West Indies are all set to host India for a three-match ODI series, starting at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday, July 27. India have already displayed their dominance by winning the two-match Test series, making them the favourites for the upcoming ODI series. The first two ODIs will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, and the final ODI will be held in Trinidad.
For West Indies, this ODI series was initially seen as a preparation avenue for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. However, their failure to qualify for the mega ICC event during a poor qualification campaign in Zimbabwe means that this series now marks the beginning of their resurrection in the ODI format.
India, on the other hand, will aim to continue their winning momentum in the Caribbean. During their last ODI series in 2022, India recorded a convincing 3-0 whitewash against the Windies. The Men in Marron’s last ODI victory against the Men in Blue came in 2019, and their last series win against India dates back to 2006.
While both teams are eager to prove themselves in the upcoming series, cricket fans can expect an exciting battle between bat and ball.
West Indies have named their squad for the ODI series, with notable players like Shimron Hetmyer and Oshane Thomas making their return. Unfortunately, the experienced duo of Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder was unavailable for selection. To strengthen the bowling attack, the likes of Jayden Seales, Yannic Cariah and Gudakesh Motie have been included after recovering from their respective injuries.
Here’s the best playing eleven for West Indies in the 3-match ODI series against India:
Shai Hope will lead the West Indies squad and will have the opportunity to showcase his talent against the experienced Indian side. In the absence of Pooran, Hope will take on the additional responsibility of wicketkeeping. He has been in fine form, playing impactful innings in the previous two ODI series against South Africa and the UAE.
Joining Hope at the top of the batting order will be Kyle Mayers. Mayers has played 8 ODI matches this year and scored 136 runs in 7 innings. His highest score in ODIs is 56. Mayers has been given a chance in the squad, taking the place of Johanson Charles.
With Hope and Mayers opening the innings, West Indies will be looking to set strong foundations for their innings and put up competitive scores against the formidable Indian side. Their performance at the top will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success in the ODI series.
Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer form the middle-order of the West Indies. King has been in terrific form, amassing centuries against both South Africa and UAE. His attacking style and ability to attack from the ball will, if clicks, will do wonders for the hosts in the upcoming series against India.
Athanaze has been given an opportunity in the squad after showing promising performances in his Test debut against India. He will have the responsibility of holding one end and allowing other batters to score quickly.
Powell, being an experienced campaigner for the West Indies, has earned the role of deputy for the team. His experience and skills will be valuable in guiding the team during crucial moments.
Hetmyer, who is making a comeback, will have the responsibility of maintaining a high-scoring rate in the middle overs. He has been actively participating in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA and was also part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. However, his last international appearance was in August 2022, and he last played an ODI in July 2021. Hetmyer was initially selected for the T20 World Cup 2022 squad but was later dropped as he missed his rescheduled flight for the event.
Romario Shepherd will have a crucial responsibility on his shoulders during the ODI series against India. With Holder unavailable for the series, Shepherd will have the task of stepping up as an important all-rounder for the West Indies. In his ODI career so far, Shepherd has played 21 games and scored 259 runs in 16 innings. His highest score in ODI cricket is 50. Apart from his batting abilities, he is also a handy bowler who can contribute to the ball. As a utility cricketer, Shepherd will be aiming to make valuable contributions with both bat and ball, ensuring he evolves as a reliable player for the West Indies team. His performances in this series will be vital in shaping the team’s fortunes and competitiveness against a strong Indian side.
Alzarri Joseph and Oshane Thomas will be the opening bowling duo for the home team. Joseph had a successful outing in the Test series against South Africa but failed to replicate that success in the two-match Test series against India on home turf, which was one of the defining factors behind the Windies’ loss. He will be eager to make amends and perform well in the ODI series. Thomas, who has been recalled to the squad along with Hetmyer, will be looking to make his comeback memorable. He is a talented fast bowler known for his pace and aggression.
In the spin department, the West Indies will rely on Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair. They will have the daunting task of keeping the Indian batters quiet in the middle overs, considering India’s reputation as one of the best players of spin in the world.
The performances of Joseph, Thomas, Motie and Sinclair will be crucial in determining the success of the West Indies bowling attack and their ability to challenge the strong Indian batting lineup in the ODI series.
West Indies’ best XI for the ODI series against India:
Shai Hope (c & wk), Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas.
West Indies’ ODI squad for India ODIs:
Shai Hope (c & wk), 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, Oshane Thomas.
