India Predicted Playing XI vs West Indies- 1st ODI, 2026

Focus will be on Kohli, Rohit in 1st ODI Vs WI [Source: AFP]The stage is set as the riveting India vs West Indies ODI series is set to commence on Sunday, September 27. The three-match series provides India a great chance to fine-tune their playing combination for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Senior pros like Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are back in the team, but several key players are out as another Indian team will take part in the Asian Games at the same time.India ODI squad vs West IndiesShubman Gill (c), KL Rahul (vc), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman DhirAhead of the first ODI match at Thiruvananthapuram, here is India’s predicted XI, with a couple of key changes incoming.Openers and top order: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat KohliShubman Gill: Shubman Gill sustained an injury during India’s net session on Friday, and there were question-marks over his participation. However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed that Gill is fit, and will take part in the first ODI match.Rohit Sharma: The series holds utmost importance for Rohit Sharma as there are question marks over his place in the ODI setup for the 2027 World Cup. However, BCCI Secretary Davajit Saikia has backed him to continue in the Indian team, and Rohit will be eager to silence his critics.Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli has had a purple patch in the ODIs in 2026, and the legendary Indian batter will hope to continue his rich vein of form against one of his favourite opponents, the West Indies.Middle order and all-rounders: Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra JadejaRuturaj Gaikwad: With Shreyas Iyer in the Asian Games 2026 squad, India needs his replacement at number 4, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will likely replace him at that position. He has done well in the ODIs in the recent past, and the Maharashtra batter will look to cement his place permanently.Also Read: Most ODI Wickets For West Indies vs India Till September 2026KL Rahul: India’s first-choice wicket-keeper in ODIs, KL Rahul, has been outstanding at number 5 for India, and the Karnataka batter will once again be responsible for steering India to a strong total with his compact batting at number 5.Nitish Reddy: Nitish Reddy has been injury-prone in recent months, but the BCCI sees him as Hardik Pandya’s long-term replacement in ODIs. Batting at number 6, he can take the attack to the opposition, and on a good day, Nitish can also chip in with quality overs.Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja is making his comeback in the ODIs for India, and the all-rounder is likely to be used as a floater. He can bat in the top six and can easily give 10 quality overs to the Indian team.Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaKuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav was snubbed by the Indian management for the England ODIs, but against the West Indies, the wily spinner should play. At home, he boasts an incredible record, and India will look to unleash him against the Windies batters who generally struggle against spin.Gurnoor Brar: Gurnoor Brar has blown hot and cold in the ODI format, but the pacer has the X-factor to trouble the West Indian batters. He can generate extra bounce to bamboozle them on batting friendly wickets.Mohammed Siraj: With no Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj will lead the inexperienced Indian ODI bowling lineup. Siraj will aim to take wickets inside the powerplay with his ability to nip around the ball.Prasidh Krishna: The third pacer in the lineup, Prasidh Krishna, has been favoured by the Indian team management across formats, and he will most likely come in as the first change in the bowling attack in the ODI match against the Windies.India's predicted playing XI Vs West Indies, 1st ODIShubman Gill(c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh KrishnaAlso Read: Josh Inglis Ruled Out Of Australia vs South Africa ODIs, Likely To Miss Test Series Too