India and West Indies are gearing up to lock horns in the first of three ODIs at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown in Barbados on July 27 (Thursday). In a year when the Men in Blue are slated to play two major competitions - Asia Cup and ODI World Cup - the series against the Men in Maroon provides a solid opportunity for Rohit Sharma & Co. to work on their craft and try out different combinations by giving chances to fringe players.
The recently-concluded second Test between the two nations ended in a stalemate after relentless rain dampened the fun. One would hope that skies remain clear for the three ODI matches that would hand India the opportunity to prepare themselves for what lies ahead.
India vs West Indies 1st ODI: Weather Report
As per the weather forecast, the temperature and humidity in Barbados are likely to be on the higher side. There is a slight chance of rain but the likelihood of the match getting affected remains slim. It's hard to predict the forecast in the Caribbean and if one goes by the recent trend, then showers might make an impact in the game.
Siraj to miss ODI series
In what came as a last-minute development before India's first ODI match against the West Indies, Mohammed Siraj flew back to India and will miss the three-match 50-over series against the Men in Maroon. Siraj flew back with other Indian players who were part of the Test squad but not the 50-over squad. The main reason why Siraj will miss the ODI series is that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants the Indian pacer to take a break and remain fit and fresh for the upcoming series and competitions.
As of now, no replacement has been named for Siraj. India have four outright fast bowlers in their ODI squad - Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar and Umran Malik - excluding fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Squads
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik
West Indies: 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.
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