Rohit, Kohli lead the spotlight as India face West Indies

India begin their 2026-27 home season against the West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli attracting the spotlight. The series also marks the start of India’s preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup

Thiruvananthapuram: With their on-field presence turning routine bilateral matches into marquee events, all eyes will understandably be on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli when a depleted India begin their 2026-27 home international season against the West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday.

The series marks the beginning of a long run of 50-over matches for captain Shubman Gill and his Indian team as they prepare for next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. But while the team management grapples with the absence of players due to a combination of injuries and the Asian Games in Japan, the overarching public narrative continues to revolve around the two stalwarts — Rohit and Kohli.

Rohit, who emphatically quashed speculation surrounding his future with a blistering 138 against England at Lord’s in July, will be under close scrutiny for his tactical role. Since the 2025 Champions Trophy, the former India captain has scored two centuries in 15 innings. However, eight scores below 30 and a noticeably tempered scoring rate during the field restrictions have raised questions over his powerplay batting approach.

Kohli, on the other hand, arrives with his usual purpose and energy. The star top-order batter is just 51 runs short of becoming only the second player in cricket history, after Sachin Tendulkar, to breach the 15,000-run milestone in ODI cricket. Having registered eight fifty-plus scores in his last 12 outings, Kohli’s current consistency gives India’s batting line-up a solid look.

Beyond the two focal figures, India’s broader tactical challenge lies in balancing a makeshift line-up. With premier fast-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana sidelined through injury rehabilitation, and spin-bowling options Axar Patel and Washington Sundar away on Asian Games commitments in Aichi-Nagoya, Nitish Kumar Reddy is virtually guaranteed a place in the playing XI.

Veteran left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will lead the spin contingent alongside left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Uncapped Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi has also earned a maiden call-up to bolster the squad’s depth. However, with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar also in the squad, he may have to wait for his opportunity, as may Naman Dhir.

For Shai Hope’s West Indies side, which is coming off close series defeats to New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the series offers an opportunity to test themselves against an Indian team missing several key players. The West Indies are also set to play ODI World Cup qualifiers next year.

Attention will also be on 19-year-old wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes, who made his ODI debut against New Zealand in July and claimed eight wickets in five matches.

Key Details:

When: Sunday, September 26, 2 pm IST

Where: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram

Where to watch: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network channels. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.

Squads

India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dhir.

West Indies: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Jayden Seales.