Photo via The Times of India

IND vs WI, 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli return as India take on West Indies

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make their anticipated return to the squad as India prepares to kick off a three-match one-day international series against the West Indies. The opening fixture takes place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.

India enters the contest with the luxury of experimenting with team combinations ahead of the World Cup, while the visiting side faces a rebuilding phase following missed automatic qualification and a lengthy losing streak in bilateral series against their hosts. Captain Shubman Gill experienced a minor training scare after taking a blow to the elbow from Mohammed Siraj, but team management expects him to take the field.

Shreyas Iyer is unavailable for selection, leaving Ruturaj Gaikwad as the leading contender to fill the number four batting position. The West Indies lineup features Shai Hope, who boasts a strong batting record in Asian conditions, alongside returning player Jewel Andrew and newcomer Amir Jangoo.

Spin duties will rest largely on the experienced duo of Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie as the visitors attempt to overturn a historical series deficit dating back nearly two decades.

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