IND vs WI 2026: Is Ruturaj Gaikwad playing in the first ODI between India and West Indies?

The One-Day International fever is underway as India and West Indies are competing in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27. Ahead of the contest, there were doubts over Ruturaj Gaikwad's place in the playing XI.

IND vs WI 2026, 1st ODI: Toss Update 

The toss was won by India, and they opted to bowl first at the venue which has earlier offered a lot of assistance to the defending teams. However, skipper Shubman Gill expressed his confidence at the batting unit and backed them to chase a target. Gill also shared India's playing combination, spilling the beans on Gaikwad's spot in the final line-up. Meanwhile, the hosts handed the debut to Naman Dhir, the all-rounder from Punjab who represents Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

IND vs WI 2026, 1st ODI: Gaikwad finds new role in middle order

While Indian batter Shreyas Iyer is in Japan to captain another side for the ongoing Asian Games 2026, the team management has shown confidence in Gaikwad to take care of the middle order. He is expected to bat at number four, a spot otherwise reserved for Iyer. With a golden opportunity to cement his place in the team, the Pune-born cricketer will be desperate to play an important knock as the Men in Blue are chasing.

IND vs WI 2026, 1st ODI: Playing XIs

India

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

West Indies

John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (C & WK), Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales

IND vs WI 2026, 1st ODI: What did the captains say?

Shai Hope, West Indies captain, said,

"Well, it (toss) doesn't really matter now, does it? We'd have probably batted today. [On the preparation] It's been a quick turnaround for us. We play a lot of cricket, different formats from CPL, but it's been going pretty well. I think the guys have been playing some good cricket in the last couple of years, just about for us now to come to India and try to replicate that. [On playing against a strong Indian team in India] Yeah, for sure, and something I always mention, we want to play against the best teams in the world, and no better place to do it here in India. So I think the guys are really looking forward to this challenge.

"[What will it take to beat India?] Really, a big score on the board. We've got to make sure we put a big score on the board. It's very good conditions here in India to bat; it usually tends to get a little bit better actually in the evening time. So a good start with the bat and hopefully we can finish it off with the ball. This is probably the closest thing to the Caribbean here in Trivandrum. So I think the guys will be happy with the start we got here. Just looking forward to this series here and hopefully get a good start. [On the combination] We've got five bowlers: one all-rounder, three seam and two spin. So hopefully that combination is the right one for us today."

Shubman Gill, India captain, said, 

"We're going to bowl first. Looks like a pretty good surface. Looks like a decent surface, very hot, so I think it'll come a little bit better under lights, so we'll try to chase. [On not having everyone available because of the Asian Games] I mean, I think we've got a pretty decent combination here, going with four bowlers and two all-rounders. [On the World Cup build-up] I think 20-odd matches to go before the World Cup starts, so I think this is the time to see what combination suits us the best and then give that combination as much time in the middle as possible. 

"[How has preparation been for the home season?] Preparation's been good. The weather's been a little bit up and down, raining here and there, but still I think the preparation has been pretty good. [On the playing XI] We are going with four bowlers and then two all-rouners with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir, who is making his debut."