The first match of the three-match ODI series between India and the West Indies will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Captain Shubman Gill will lead the Indian team to a winning start on home soil, while Shai Hope will lead the West Indies.

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Team India will take on West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, see probable playing 11

Eyes on Rohit-Virat in the top order, new experiments in the middle order

All eyes are on the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are active only in the ODI format of international cricket. Rohit Sharma will open the Indian innings alongside captain Shubman Gill, while Virat Kohli will bat at number three. This could leave young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal out of the playing eleven.

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are unavailable for this series due to their participation in the Asian Games. Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to be selected at number four. KL Rahul could be included at number five and Dhruv Jurel at number six. There’s also a strong possibility of all-rounder Naman Dheer making his debut in the middle order.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s return and the bowling attack

Fast bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has recovered from injury after his recent performance against Afghanistan, will be a key focus. It will be important for the team management to assess whether Nitish is capable of bowling more than four overs and maintaining his pace.

In the bowling department, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is returning to the team, providing depth to the lower order with his spin. Kuldeep Yadav is set to play as the lead spinner, while Mohammed Siraj and the in-form Prasidh Krishna will shoulder the pace duties.

India’s probable playing 11

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dheer, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

Ground report and weather conditions

The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium has historically favored fast bowlers in the early overs. However, rain is expected in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, which could disrupt the match. The team winning the toss may choose to bowl first.