World · India Bureau
Sharma, Gill to open as India names XI for West Indies ODI
India has named its playing eleven for the first ODI against West Indies, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the innings. The selection has left out in-form players Naman Dheer and Dhruv Jurel for the series opener.
LSN India ·
India's selection committee, led by Subramanium Badrinath, has confirmed the playing eleven for the opening ODI against West Indies, scheduled for September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. The match marks the start of a three-game ODI series.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open the innings for India, with Virat Kohli positioned at number three. The selection has raised eyebrows with the omission of in-form batter Dhruv Jurel and wicketkeeper-batter Naman Dheer, both of whom have impressed in recent performances.
The decision to retain established players in key positions reflects the selectors' preference for experience in the ODI format. Kohli's placement at number three underscores his continued importance in India's middle order, despite the emergence of younger talent in the squad.
The series, beginning in Thiruvananthapuram, represents an important fixture in India's ODI schedule as the team continues preparations for upcoming international commitments. The composition of the playing eleven suggests a balance between maintaining stability and accommodating squad rotation across the three-match series.