After a successful showdown in England, Team India is all set to take on the West Indies in a 3-match ODI series. The first match of the series will be played on July 22 (Friday), and the visitors appear to be the favorites to win.
West Indies just suffered a humiliating series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh and will be looking to rebound against the Men in Blue. Meanwhile, Team India will be missing their regular captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both been rested. In the absence of senior players, Shikhar Dhawan will lead the visiting team, while a group of peripheral players will attempt to stamp their mark.
The Indian batting lineup has enough international experience to put the Caribbean bowlers under duress. Visitors can choose among Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur – a combined experience of 39 One-Day Internationals – with the first two still to make their 50-over debut in international cricket.
West Indies vs India 1st ODI – Pitch Report
It’s been over three years since Queen’s Park Oval hosted an international game, an ODI won by India thanks to Virat Kohli’s century. While both the West Indies captain and coach were critical of the pitches in the ODIs against Bangladesh, Simmons expects improved conditions in the games against India. Rain prevented the Indian team to practise indoors, but the match day is anticipated to be partly cloudy with a high of 30 degrees Celsius.
West Indies vs India 1st ODI – Team News and Probable Lineup
West Indies
With Holder back in the squad, he is expected to replace Keemo Paul, who suffered a hamstring injury in the final ODI against Bangladesh. Paul has healed, but he may be granted more time off. West Indies might potentially replace Keacy Carty with Kyle Mayers.
Predicted Playing XI
Nicholas Pooran (c), Shai Hope (vc & wk), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales.
India
When it comes to their starting XI, Dhawan and Dravid have a few dilemmas. Ishan Kishan could partner with the Indian stand-in captain at the top, and they also have opening possibilities in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill. Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shreyas Iyer are set to handle the middle-order duties, with Axar Patel and Thakur serving as allrounders. Prasidh and Siraj are set to be the primary pacers in the starting lineup.
Predicted Playing XI
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
West Indies vs India 1st ODI – Player of the Match Prediction
Mohammed Siraj
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Image Source – Twitter.
Mohammad Siraj of India was superb in the last ODI against England, and the right-arm bowler would want to continue his recent form with the ball against the Men in Maroon. Siraj has the ability to swing the new ball and even hit the yorkers in the death overs.
West Indies vs India 1st ODI – Match Winner Prediction
While the Indian management will have selection headaches, it’s only good since that is the quality that the lineup has. The West Indies are still reeling from their shocking series defeat to Bangladesh and India is likely to add to their misery by dealing another loss to the West Indies.
