As India concludes its Test series in Trinidad, the focus will now shift to the 50-over format in the West Indies. India will play the first of 3 ODI matches in Barbados.
While the hosts West Indies failed to qualify the World Cup 2023, India's preparations for the marquee tournament, which they will host begin here.
*Key players injured, spots vacant*
It is a crucial series as India looks to make preparations for the major competition in October. Significant players like Japsrit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant are all out injured, leaving the team severely depleted.
This indicates that the Indian lineup will primarily be different, particularly in the middle order, and that the players must start performing if they want to secure spots for the Asia Cup.
*Gearing up for World Cup '23*
The team's captain, Rohit Sharma, will bat at the top of the order with Shubman Gill, a brilliant young player who has already scored a double-century in his career. Ishan Kishan will serve as the backup for what is anticipated to be the starting pair at the World Cup.
Virat Kohli will naturally be batting at number three in what is still his strongest format, but he will be attempting to regain his mojo in this style of play where he is unquestionably India's most important player. In a young team, his experience will be essential.
Perhaps, there is some cause for concern in the middle order, from 4 to 6. Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson will be vying for a slot in the middle order, but Hardik Pandya is a player who simply cannot be dropped, especially if he is able to bowl a few overs of pace. Although Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were unable to participate in this tour due to injury, their great rankings of 4 and 5 will make them favorites to hold onto the place at the World Cup.
However, this middle order has a lot of flexibility in this series because all three batters are capable of controlling the innings if they come in early or scoring quickly when the top order gives them a platform. Samson in particular will want to maintain consistency since Ishan Kishan is eager to join the center of the order.
With Shardul Thakur at No. 8 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7, India will bat in a deep order throughout the ODI series. Axar had a wonderful tour in the Caribbean last year, but if a third qualified seamer is needed in Barbados, Shardul might win. Although Kuldeep Yadav's defensive bowling improved in the most recent IPL, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav will compete for the frontline spinner position. However, the righty may be given the call before Kuldeep.
Since India doesn't have either Bumrah or Mohammed Shami going into this series, pace bowling will be an issue. Shardul Thakur is now the most seasoned pacer in the attack after the BCCI announced hours before the game that Siraj had been rested following an injury scare. Umran Malik is probably going to be selected, but Mukesh Kumar and Jaydev Unadkat will compete for the third position.
*India's predicted XI for 1st ODI vs WI*
India’s probable playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik, Jaydev Unadkat.
