India, West Indies aim to get back on winning track

The last time West Indies played ODI cricket, they were left hurt. It was only two weeks ago when Ireland handed them a 1-2 series defeat at home. It didn’t sit well with skipper Kieron Pollard, who admitted the pain, saying "It's hurting and hurting very badly".

On a quick turnaround, West Indies defeated England 3-2 in a T20 series. “You can’t keep a good man down”, sang Pollard post match, underlining they are still a dangerous side. A week later, they find themselves in India after three years in a stern test. The Caribbean unit will be keen to get back on the winning track in ODI cricket. 

The environment around India's camp is not so different either. This is probably their lowest period in ODI cricket in a long time. Several frailties have come to the surface resulting in three consecutive series defeats outside Asia. They have won only five of their 15 ODIs since 2020. Alongside getting back on the winning track, they will aim to fix their pipeline.

India are dealing with COVID a few days prior to the opening ODI in Ahmedabad but have enough batting resources to cover up for the loss of Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Besides, they will also take confidence from their strong record at home and against West Indies. India have won 12 of their 15 ODIs against West Indies since 2015. 

The lop-sided combination dynamics

After the series defeat in South Africa, India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid stated they need more all-round options in the side. His words vindicate the selection of Deepak Hooda in the squad who is picked despite an indifferent outing in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Washington Sundar, a more polished off-spin all-rounder is also back after an unfortunate 2021 where he missed the bus due to injury and COVID. In the pace department, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have shown their prowess with the bat. While there are four options, the ideal setup, without compromising the bowling, will require three of them in the XI. With Sundar and Hooda offering the same bowling type and number seven a spot high for both Chahar and Thakur, the conundrum persists for the Indian management. 

This is where West Indies hold an ace up their sleeves. They have a number of all-round options that fit naturally in their combination. Jason Holder at seven is a big plus. Fabian Allen and Romario Shepherd are all capable batters who deepen West Indies’ batting resources. 

The David versus David battle 

Where West Indies lag is their batting department. Since 2020, their average of 26.6 runs per wicket is only better than Zimbabwe (among Test playing nations). 

The opening pair struggled in the absence of Evin Lewis, averaging 21.3 at a strike-rate of 62.4. Shai Hope will have a new opening partner now, one among Nkrumah Bonner and Brandon King. The middle-order still is without Shimron Hetmyer, who is dropped on grounds of fitness. Nicholas Pooran was promoted to number three and had a rather torrid time - scores of 2, 1 and 13. 

Overall, West Indies’ number three, four, five and six averaged only 21.6 in three ODIs against Ireland. Their lower-order was the only saving grace, adding 21.5 runs apiece at a strike rate of 94.8. Prior to the Ireland series, they were bundled out for 123 and 152 in two of the three ODIs against Australia. 

India’s bowling attack has struggled of late - the pacers with the new ball as well as the spinners. Both sides have an opportunity to fix their biggest area of concern. Hence, it's a David versus David contest. 

Playing Combinations

India

Mayank Agarwal was added to the ODI squad after Dhawan and Gaikwad were deemed unavailable due to a positive covid test. However, he is yet to complete his quarantine. KL Rahul is unavailable for the first ODI to attend his sister's marriage. Hence, skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will open with him in the first ODI. 

Rohit also stated that he wants to pair the wrist-spin twins - Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav again. It is a tricky prospect in the absence of Hardik Pandya as the much-needed selection of the next best all-round option - Washington Sundar - will mean India fields three spinners. Where is Ravi Bishnoi in the pecking order? These are the main questions India will have to answer. 

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies

Summoned back to the ODI squad, Darren Bravo’s selection seems to be a call for experience. He should be slotted in at three after Pooran’s struggle at the number. Interestingly, Kemar Roach is picked for ODI cricket after two and a half months and should make it to the XI right away. 

West Indies have to decide their bowling combination. First choice is between Fabian Allen and Akeal Hosein. The former may get the nod based on his hitting prowess.  There are four options for the remaining two slots - Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph and the wrist-spin of Hayden Walsh.

Probable XI: Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks, Kieron Pollard (c), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Romario Shepherd/Odean Smith/Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh, Kemar Roach