IND vs WI: India's strongest playing XI vs West Indies for 1st ODI - Predicted

The first IND vs WI ODI will be played on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Indian Cricket Team are all set to host West Indies in a three-match ODI series. The West Indies tour of India will begin with the first ODI on September 27 (Sunday).

India have an incredible record against West Indies in this format, and they would be keen to carry on the same record. After losing the ODI series against England, it will be a great opportunity for the Men in Blue to find their rhythm back, and put one step ahead in their preperations for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

India will be without some of the key players for the series due to their Asian Games 2026 commitments. Howver, it will be opportunity for youngsters to make their presence felt and seal the spot with World Cup around the corner.

As the first IND vs WI clash is around the corner, we take a look at India’s strongest playing XI vs West Indies for 1st ODI.

India’s predicted playing XI for 2nd ODI against Afghanistan

1. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is expected to open the innings for India in the first IND vs WI ODI. He slammed a terffic century in the last ODI against England, and put all the doubts to rest. He would want to have another big series and his help his team win.

2. Shubman Gill (C)

The captain of the Indian ODI team, Shubman Gill, has been sensational in the ODI format. He looked in sensational touch during England series. He has been one of the finest players for India over the past few years, and will look to maintain the same as well.

3. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will be back for India in the IND vs WI ODI series. In the last ODI series against England, he looked in sublime form, and gave the glimpse of his old self. He will hold key for India in the series, and also would be eyeing several milestones as well.

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad

In the absence of Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to take the number four spot in the XI. Although he is a top-order batter, India have used him in middle-over in the past. He also hit a century in the last series which he played. The IND vs WI series will be important for him to lock his spot in ODI team.

5. KL Rahul (VC & WK)

KL Rahul has embraced every role assigned to him with great success. He has cemented his place at No. 5 and is comfortably finishing matches for India.

If India need anchoring and stability, Rahul steps up. If they need him to finish games, he steps up in this role as well. Rahul has a great experience and would be keen to use that to help his team win.

6. Ravindra Jadeja

Axar Patel’s absence means Ravindra Jadeja is back in the ODI setup. The all-rounder was completely sidelined from the format; however, selectors gave him another chance. The series will be extremely important for him as apart from helping his team win, he would want to reclaim his spot back.

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Although Nitish Kumar Reddy is a batting all-rounder, he has demonstrated just how hard he has worked on his bowling over the past year. Reddy clocks above 135kmph and is picking crucial wickets for the team. He initially was part of the Asian Games 2026 squad but was withdrawn from there to fill in Hardik Pandya’s shoes in ODI side.

8. Auqib Nabi

We might see India handing debut to Auqib Nabi in the first ODI against West Indies. Gautam Gambhir is a huge fan of bowlers, who can bat, and Nabi is no mug with bat. Apart from his impeccable lines and lengths with ball, he is a handy batter down the order.

9. Kuldeep Yadav

After a staggering county campaign, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead spin bowling attack. He looked out of touch in last few series, but having regained his confidence back, he would hold key for his team in all three games.

10. Gurnoor Brar

Gurnoor Brar has been impeccable for Men in Blue. His height, and pace has troubled opposition batters a lot, and he might pip Prasidh Krishna as second pacer in the team. Although he has been little expensive, his wicket-taking ability seperates him from others.

11. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj is also back in the ODI colours, and there is no doubt that he will lead pace attack in the series. He has been a regular member of Test side, but now is back in ODIs. Wth him being the most senior star, a lot would be reliant on him

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