Thiruvananthapuram, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India begin their 2026/27 home international season against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to draw much of the attention in the opening ODI.
The three-match series marks the start of India’s preparations for next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Skipper Shubman Gill will lead a side affected by injuries and the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Rohit, who ended speculation over his future with a 138 against England at Lord’s in July, remains under close observation in his new role. Since the 2025 Champions Trophy, he has scored two centuries in 15 innings, although eight scores below 30 and a lower scoring rate during the powerplay have raised questions over his approach in the early overs.
Kohli, meanwhile, is 51 runs away from becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. He has recorded eight fifty-plus scores in his last 12 outings, adding consistency to India’s top order.
India will have to manage a reshaped combination in the absence of Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana due to injury rehabilitation, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are unavailable because of their Asian Games commitments.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is therefore expected to feature, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav likely to lead the spin attack. Uncapped Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi has received his maiden call-up, while Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar provide pace options. Naman Dhir is also part of the squad.
West Indies, led by Shai Hope, enter the series after narrow series defeats to New Zealand and Sri Lanka. With the team also preparing for next year’s ODI World Cup qualifiers, the series provides an opportunity to test themselves against an Indian side missing several regulars.
Teenage wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes will be one to watch after making his ODI debut against New Zealand in July and taking eight wickets in five matches.
When: Sunday, September 26, 2 p.m. IST
Where: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Live: Star Sports Network; JioHotstar app and website
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
FOLLOW NOW
