Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli return as India take on West Indies in 1st ODI at Thiruvananthapuram

India welcome back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for ODI opener

India begin their ODI series against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram with a familiar look at the top of the order as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the side. Captain Shubman Gill is expected to lead the side after an elbow injury scare in practice, while West Indies arrive without Sherfane Rutherford and with John Campbell back from surgery.

Gill fit after Siraj delivery strikes elbow

India had a brief injury scare ahead of the first ODI when captain Shubman Gill was struck on the elbow by a Mohammed Siraj delivery during practice. Gill left the nets and spent the rest of the session with an icepack on the affected area, not returning to bat that day and raising concerns about his availability for the series opener.

However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak subsequently indicated that Gill would be good to play. India have cover if there is a late change, with Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting for an opportunity at the top of the order. For now, the expectation is that Gill will lead India, with Rohit Sharma likely to partner him at the top.

West Indies reshuffle at the top

John Campbell is in line to return to the top of the West Indies batting order after surgery, expected to reclaim his opening position. Justin Greaves could partner him, having stepped in for Campbell during two of West Indies' five ODIs against New Zealand in July.

The opening combination will be important against an India attack that could include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav. West Indies have struggled for consistency at the top, with their top three averaging just 29.35 since the end of the last World Cup.

West Indies will begin without Sherfane Rutherford, set to miss the opening match because of a personal matter. According to Cricket West Indies, Rutherford is expected to join the squad before the second ODI, with Amir Jangoo in line for an opportunity in the opener. Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph are also competing for one position in the probable XI.

Kohli on brink of 15,000 ODI runs

Virat Kohli could reach another major ODI milestone in Thiruvananthapuram, sitting just 59 runs away from completing 15,000 ODI runs. His record against West Indies makes the possibility particularly intriguing, with the former India captain averaging 66.50 against them.

Kohli has also been scoring at a faster rate in 2026. Across six matches this year, he has a strike rate of 106.66 — a significant shift from his traditionally measured approach. The only other year Kohli finished an ODI calendar year with a strike rate above 100 was 2018.

India's batting tempo and the numbers

India's approach with the bat has been one of the notable features of their ODI cricket since the last World Cup. They have scored at 6.08 runs per over during this period, the second-highest rate among teams behind England's 6.17, while averaging 39.25 runs per wicket — underlining the balance between aggression and consistency India have brought to the format.

India's top three have been among their strongest performers, averaging 53.34 since the end of the last World Cup. West Indies, by comparison, have a corresponding top-three average of 29.35. The visitors do have a standout middle-order performer in Shai Hope, who has scored 1,350 runs since the last World Cup at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 92.91.

Spin could hold the key

West Indies could face a major test against India's spinners. Since the end of the last World Cup, West Indies have averaged only 28.09 against spin — among traditional ODI teams, only Zimbabwe have a lower average. That makes the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav particularly significant. The venue has also previously produced problems for West Indies: when the teams met there in 2018, West Indies were bowled out for 104, with Jadeja claiming four wickets.

Joseph returns with CPL momentum

Alzarri Joseph enters the series with momentum after helping the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons win the CPL title. His return is another important development for West Indies, particularly after he and head coach Daren Sammy had a public disagreement earlier this year. Joseph has made it clear that his focus remains on representing West Indies, regardless of his relationship with the coach. Sammy has also highlighted Joseph's return to the team at the start of the ODI series. For West Indies, Joseph provides a threat through the middle overs and adds experience to an attack that also includes Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales and Vitel Lawes.

Conditions and World Cup buildup

Weather conditions could add another element. The weather remained largely clear in the two days leading into the match, though a brief but sharp spell of rain arrived around an hour before India's practice on September 25. The day before the opener remained hot and humid, with the India team opting out of practice apart from Auqib Nabi's batting stint. Bowling coach Morne Morkel described the conditions as good for batting, although he felt the new-ball phase could be a little challenging based on feedback from India's batters.

India's ODI preparations for the 2027 World Cup continue with another series where their first-choice combination remains unavailable. India have played three ODI series this year and lost two, with injuries and their focus on the T20 World Cup affecting their ability to field their strongest side. For the West Indies series, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are again absent, leaving India short of allround balance and fast-bowling quality. Nitish Kumar Reddy could therefore have a bigger role with the ball, potentially bowling his full quota of 10 overs.