Koch: India will seek to reaffirm their supremacy in the shorter version of the game as they go into a five-match ODI series against an under-strength West Indies here on Wednesday with the prime focus of preparing for the upcoming cricket World Cup.
With five series victories against the Caribbean side, including three away series since 2006-07 under their belt, India would be looking to keep their winning record intact as they start the series as clear favourites.
The hosts are expected to have little trouble against the lowly West Indians, who are further handicapped with mystery spinner Sunil Narine being withdrawn from the tour following his “illegal” bowling action reported during the Champions League T20. The Windies are also without their run machine Chris Gayle, whose absence will certainly dent their chances.
The series is crucial to India’s preparation to defend their World Cup title next year and the players will be looking to put up solid performances. Selectors have picked Murali Vijay in place of injured Rohit Sharma but it remains to be seen whether he or Ajinkya Rahane would open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan.
For Virat Kohli, there won’t be a better opportunity to get back into form. The middle-order looks strong with the likes of Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Dhoni in the ranks.
In the bowling department, Mohit Sharma would be the one to watch out for as he has been progressing well under Dhoni. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav complete the pace quartet for India with experienced Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja manning the spin department.
At least seven out of 15 West Indian players know the Indian conditions well, having played in the IPL and CLT20 and that would obviously come in handy.
Last November Darren Sammy made way for Dwayne Bravo as captain of the side in the first of their three match series, but Bravo had a nightmarish time. This time around, he must be planning things differently to counter the Indians at their own backyard.
Squad:-
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wicketkeeper), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav.
West Indies: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Jason Holder, Sulieman Benn, Ravi Rampaul, Leon Johnson, Jerome Taylor, Andre Russell and Kemar Roach. (PTI)