The West Indies vs India 1st ODI has begun in Thiruvananthapuram as the two sides meet in the opening match of their three-game ODI series. The match is attracting significant attention as India welcome back senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while West Indies look to test themselves against India ahead of their upcoming 2027 World Cup qualification campaign.
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Greenfield International Stadium. The decision gives India an opportunity to chase under the lights, while West Indies will aim to put a competitive total on the board in the first innings.
West Indies vs India 1st ODI: Match Details
The first India vs West Indies ODI is being played on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Match: West Indies vs India, 1st ODI
Date: September 27, 2026
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Series: West Indies tour of India 2026
India captain: Shubman Gill
West Indies captain: Shai Hope
The three-match ODI series will run from September 27 to October 3, with the two teams competing in the opening phase of their wider preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
India vs West Indies Playing XI
India have fielded a strong combination featuring experienced campaigners alongside new options. Naman Dhir is making his ODI debut for India, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to the 50-over format.
India Playing XI
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
- Naman Dhir
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Gurnoor Brar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Prasidh Krishna
West Indies Playing XI
- John Campbell
- Justin Greaves
- Keacy Carty
- Shai Hope (captain/wicketkeeper)
- Amir Jangoo
- Jewel Andrew
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Gudakesh Motie
- Alzarri Joseph
- Jayden Seales
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Return to ODI Cricket
One of the biggest talking points surrounding West Indies vs India is the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India’s ODI setup. Both experienced batters remain important figures in India’s plans as the team begins looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their return also adds considerable experience to India’s batting lineup for the series.
For India, the three-match series provides an opportunity to assess combinations and give established players valuable time in the middle while also looking at younger options.
Naman Dhir Makes India ODI Debut
Another major development from the opening match is the international debut of Naman Dhir. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder has been handed his maiden ODI cap as India look to assess their options in the middle order. His inclusion adds another new face to an Indian side that is balancing experience with opportunities for emerging players.
What the West Indies Are Looking to Achieve
West Indies enter the series with their own set of objectives. Captain Shai Hope has described the India series as a major challenge for his team, while the side continues to build towards the 2027 World Cup qualification tournament.
The West Indies batting lineup will rely heavily on players such as Shai Hope and Keacy Carty, who have been important contributors in the team’s ODI setup. Their bowling attack also contains international experience, with Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Gudakesh Motie among the players expected to play important roles.
India vs West Indies: A Look at the Series
The first ODI is the opening chapter of a three-match series between India and West Indies. The two sides will use the series for different purposes, with India continuing to develop their ODI combinations and West Indies preparing for the next stage of their World Cup journey.
The historical record also adds context to the contest. According to the ICC, West Indies last won a bilateral ODI series against India in 2006, when they defeated India 4-1 at home.
West Indies vs India Live Updates
With India choosing to bowl first, the focus now turns to West Indies’ opening innings. The performance of the West Indies top order, India’s new-ball bowling and the conditions under the lights will be among the key factors to follow during the opening ODI. For India, attention will also remain on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they return to ODI action, while Naman Dhir’s debut provides another storyline for Indian cricket fans.
Stay with Aspire Recorder for the latest West Indies vs India updates, match developments, scores, key performances and post-match coverage.
This article can be updated throughout the match as new developments become available.