India Predicted Playing XI for 1st ODI vs West Indies

Middle order and lower Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja

Ruturaj Gaikwad takes the number four position in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who is competing at the Asian Games. Gaikwad has accumulated 228 runs from 9 ODIs at an average of 28.50, numbers that don't justify his talent as a batter. KL Rahul, aged 34, continues as wicketkeeper and vice-captain, bringing experience to the lower middle order. He is one of the best finishers in this side. Nitish Kumar Reddy replaces Hardik Pandya in the middle order, while Ravindra Jadeja returns to the ODI setup after an extended absence from the format. Reddy has improved his bowling considerably in recent times and would want to make a mark in the 50-over format. Meanwhile, Jadeja will have to perform well, as Axar Patel is waiting for his chance and Manav Suthar has also done well in the early stages of his international career, albeit in red-ball cricket.