After getting brutally thrashed by India in the two-match Test series, West Indies seem to be an easy mountain to climb. While opener Elvis Lewis decision to withdraw from the ODI series due to personal reasons was a huge blow for the team, adding to the Windies sorrow, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Coach Stuart Law for the first two ODIs against India. The decision of ICC to suspend Law came after he made "inappropriate comments" against a match official.
After a disastrous defeat in the Test series, it’s time for Captain Jason Holder to lead side from the front and try to attain positive results for his side in the 50-overs format. Presence of veteran Marlon Samuels along with returning Kemar Roach might possibly surprise the hosts at home.
"It's hard to lose a player who has been around and has some success in the particular format we're playing in. No doubt, it's tough," Holder said. "You obviously set your plans and you formulate your plans around the composition you would have selected. [To have someone pull out at] such a late time is tough.
"Funnily enough, I'm staring down the barrel of my 27th birthday next month," Holder said. "I've been around for a little, but I'm relatively still young as well. I'm playing the father figure role, trying to mentor and nourish the young talent we have. It's enjoyable for me. I like things like this. I love challenges. The talent we have in the Caribbean is something that really excites me."
Team India has announced a 12-member squad for the first ODI, young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is set to make his ODI debut.
Here’s the 12-men team for the Guwahati ODI:
Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed.