Picture Credit: BCCI
Team India is set to host the West Indies in a limited over series which is scheduled to begin on 6th February. Both the teams will play three ODIs and as many T20I in two separate venues. Earlier, the games were supposed to be played at six different venues but due to Covid-19, the BCCI has decided to conduct 50-over contests at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad while the T20 series will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Caribbean team will reach Ahmedabad on 1 February, and after that, it will stay in isolation for three days.
The Indian team suffered a whitewash against South Africa and will look to better their record in the new year. Rohit Sharma is yet to lead the team since his appointment. However, he is expected to be fit for the West Indies series. Meanwhile, many players are supposed to get a chance in the series as preparations for T20 World Cup 2022, scheduled later this year in Australia.
Also Read: Team India Squad For West Indies Series 2022 Live Updates
Probable squad for the white-ball series against West Indies
Rohit Sharma (C)
The newly appointed white-ball captain of the team is an automatic pick in the squad as he will be leading the team for the first time since his appointment. Due to a hamstring injury, he could not be part of the South Africa tour but is expected to recover in time for this series.
Shikhar Dhawan
The southpaw was in good form against South Africa and played some crucial knocks. His partnership with Rohit Sharma can be lethal as the duo has done significant damage to the opposition's bowling lineup in the past. Also, Dhawan's performance will be vital for him if he wants to stake his claim in the Indian squad for T20 World Cup 2022.
KL Rahul
Rahul will be back to his old responsibilities of being the team's vice-captain in the home series against the West Indies. He has been one of the consistent players in all the formats and has a solid prospect to be the team's future captain. Due to this, his performance will be closely monitored.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the most dynamic batters in India's domestic circuit and is expected to get a chance against West Indies. His performance in last year's IPL and Vijay Hazare trophy was exceptional, due to which he was selected for the South Africa tour but could not be part of the playing XI in ODIs.
Virat Kohli:
With so much experience and caliber, Kohli's performance is going to be crucial for the team. After the disappointing campaign in T20 World Cup, Kohli stepped down as a T20 skipper but expressed his desire to continue as a player. He is going to be a crucial member of the team heading into the T20 World Cup later in Australia.
Rishabh Pant (WK):
Pant has impressed everyone with his batting and wicket-keeping as well. The selectors are closely monitoring him as his prospects of leading the team in future circulates from time to time. He is one of the important players in the squad, and the team will be expecting some good contribution from him against West Indies.
Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan is yet another promising player in the domestic circuit and has played some incredible innings in IPL. He must be eager to play in the team and book his place in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, scheduled later this year. He is also quite handy behind the wickets and can be a decent substitute for Rishabh Pant.
Surya Kumar Yadav:
Surya Kumar made his debut last year against England and was part of the ODI series against South Africa and is expected to be included in the T20I squad for the West Indies series. He can play some crucial knocks for the team in the middle order.
Deepak Chahar:
Chahar is a good all-rounder which the team can count on. His contribution in the last ODI against South Africa was vital and he drew the game real close in India's favour. He is one of the players to watch for in the series against West Indies.
Hardik Pandya:
He is expected to be fit for the series and he will be hopeful of making a comeback as he is one of the team's most dynamic all-rounders. He is a good batsman, but if he can bowl, that may provide some edge in the series.
Shardul Thakur:
Thakur returned from the South Africa tour with the best figure of 7/61 for any Asian, and the team would want similar performances from him against West Indies. He can be vital in the T0I World Cup in Australia.
Ravichandra Ashwin:
Ashwin's experience can be vital for the team, and he has performed well in the home series, due to which the bowling all-rounder can pose a formidable challenge to West Indies batters.
Ravindra Jadeja:
Jadeja is a terrific all-rounder and is regarded as one of the best in the world. He was supposed to be with the team against South Africa, but he could not due to injury concerns. He is expected to be fit for the West Indies tour and will surely be in the squad.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Bumrah is the team's premium bowler, and his contribution to the squad can be lethal for opponents. He has been regular for the team in all game formats, and his contribution against West Indies will be an essential factor in the results of the matches.
Yuzvendra Chahal:
He is the first-choice selection as a spinner for the Indian team. His performance in the home turfs has been incredible, due to which he can be vital in the white-ball series against West Indies.
Mohammad Siraj:
He is yet another fast bowler who has impressed everyone with his potential to bowl. He has been regular in red-ball format for the team, but if he is given a chance, he can be vital for the team in the T20 World Cup 2022 as well.
