Rohit Sharma Captain; No Sanju Samson And Shikhar Dhawan: India's Likely Squad For West Indies ODI Series

June 08,2023

After a break of one month, Team India will make its return to international cricket when it faces West Indies in a full-fledged series in July-August. The series will include 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and five ODIs. The cricketing boards are yet to confirm the dates for the series. The last two T20Is of the series will be played in Flordia. Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the ODI team.

Rohit was named India's ODI captain in 2021 and has been doing the job since then. Given that 2023 is a World Cup year, the selection committee isn't expected to make many changes in the squad, which means that no comeback for Sanju Samson and Shikhar Dhawan. Both players haven't played an ODI in 2023.

As the fans wait for the BCCI's announcement, here we have a look at India's likely squad for the West Indies ODI series -

Openers

Rohit Sharma will lead the team and open the innings in the ODI series against West Indies. The ongoing year is a crucial one for every player and every game is a chance for players to strengthen their chances for the 2023 World Cup. Shubman Gill is confirmed to partner Rohitm at the top.

One of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to be named as the third opener. Ishan hasn't been able to make the most out of the opportunities provided and can get competition from Ruturaj.

Shikhar Dhawan, who was surprisingly dropped from the ODI team earlier this year, isn't expected to make a return. The left-handed batsman does have an exceptional record in ICC tournaments but the selection committee might continue to give chances to youngsters.

Middle-order

Virat Kohli will bat at number three and might be followed by Suryakumar Yadav. Suryakumar did bag three back-to-back ducks against Australia in the previous ODI series but he returned to form in IPL and woluld be keen to make the most out of the opportunities in the absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. The right-handed batsman isn't expected to be dropped.

Sanju Samson has been away from the ODI team since the start of 2023 and isn't expected to make his return. The wicketkeeper-batsman failed to score consistently in IPL 2023 and his below-par form could cost him going ahead.

All-rounders

Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja might be four all-rounders in the team. Hardik was named Rohit's deputy in ODIs earlier in 2023 and will retain that position. Not to forget, he might lead the T20I team in the series. Pandya has an exceptional record as the captain of Gujarat Titans.

Bowlers

Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack in the ODI series. Jaydev Unadkat made his comeback to the ODI squad for the Australia series and might retain his position. Shardul Thakur will be the fourth pacer in the team.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav might be two spinners in the team. Given the number of all-rounders that India have now, only one of them will be in the playing XI.

Team India's likely squad for West Indies ODI series: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat