Captain Shubman Gill said the surface looked decent and was expected to improve under the lights, prompting India to chase. He also highlighted the importance of using the series to assess combinations with 20 matches remaining before the 2027 World Cup. India have opted for four bowlers and two all-rounders, while Punjab and Mumbai Indians star Naman Dhir has been handed his international debut.
The match also brings Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back into ODI action, adding significant interest to the series. Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul are also part of India’s playing XI, while Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna complete the side alongside Gill, Rohit and Kohli.
For West Indies, the series carries added significance as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers after missing out on direct qualification based on ODI rankings. Shai Hope said his side would have preferred to bat first but accepted the toss result. He also pointed to the quick turnaround after the Caribbean Premier League, while saying the team had been playing good cricket over the past couple of years and would look to replicate that against India.
Teams:
West Indies (Playing XI): John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul(w), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna
