India vs West Indies: India’s strongest predicted XI for ODI series

The three-match ODI series between India and the West Indies gets underway on September 27, with matches scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh before the series concludes on October 3. The contest also marks the start of the 2026-27 Indian home international cricket season.

The BCCI announced India’s 15-man ODI squad on September 16 after chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee met in Delhi. Shubman Gill will captain the side, with head coach Gautam Gambhir overseeing the team as India build momentum towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

Here’s India’s strongest predicted XI vs West Indies ODIs:

Top order: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), and Virat Kohli

Shubman Gill is expected to open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma, with Gill also leading the side. Both Rohit and Virat Kohli are returning to the ODI squad after a two-month absence, with Rohit’s place in the setup having been a subject of discussion during India’s England tour in July. His inclusion in the squad confirms that he retains his position at the top of the order.

The three-match series is therefore a crucial one for Rohit as he looks to cement his place in India’s ODI setup ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, is expected to slot in at No. 3, a position he has made his own across his ODI career. His experience at the position, combined with the presence of Gill and Rohit, gives India a formidable top three.

Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja

Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to slot into the middle order, with KL Rahul likely to take up the wicketkeeping duties. Nitish Kumar Reddy could provide India with another all-round option, while Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return to the ODI XI after missing a number of recent series in the format.

Jadeja’s comeback adds considerable balance to the side, given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was originally named in India’s Asian Games squad before being withdrawn, is now part of the ODI setup. The combination gives India additional flexibility in the middle overs while also providing batting depth.

Bowlers: Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead the spin department, while Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj could form the pace attack. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin provides India with a wicket-taking option in the middle overs, while Siraj brings considerable experience with the new ball.

Prasidh and Gurnoor add further pace options to the attack, giving India a combination of seamers with different skill sets. With the three matches being played across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, the bowling attack will also have to adapt to varying conditions during the series.