Shikhar Dhawan has given a chance to Sanju Samson as the designated wicketkeeper-batter. Shubman Gill has made a comeback as an opener as Indian team management decided to go with the left-right combination at the top of the order.
Dhawan confirmed at the toss that Jadeja has been injured and ruled out of the first two ODIs. He sustained an injury on his right knee and Board of Control and Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team is monitoring his progress. The decision on his participation in the third ODI is yet to be taken.
“We were thinking of batting second, the weather looks like it will rain later on nd the wicket is sticky but we are happy to bat first. I'm a very cool captain and like to guide the team, I will love to take the right decision but importantly make sure the process is right, we are focussing on the process and make sure we get the right result. It's complimentary, so much of talent in the country due to our domestic cricket and the IPL. The boys got a lot of exposure, it's a great opportunity for all to showcase our talent,” Dhawan said after losing the toss.
Nicholas Pooran won the toss and opted to field first at Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. Jason Holder was expected to walk into the side but he has tested positive for Covid-19. Pooran also announced that Kyle Mayers is back from injury.
“We are gonna have a bowl first. There's weather around and there will be help for the bowlers early on, hopefully we will make use of it. It's a nice feeling, better feeling to win the toss, very happy to be here in front of my home ground. We spoke about it, batting in partnerships, gaining momentum, it's been tough for us, but we are up for the challenge. Every game we will try to improve. Unfortunately Jason [Holder] has Covid so he misses out. It's pretty much the same guys who played in the series against Bangladesh,” Pooran said after losing the toss.
India Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
West Indies Playing XI: Shai Hope(wk), Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran(c), Rovman Powell, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales
