Plot:

India and West Indies have played numerous bilateral series since the turn of the decade. India travelled to the Caribbean last year to play four Test matches, but ODIs weren’t a part of the itinerary back then. So, this year, the two teams will play five ODIs in the Caribbean against a West Indies side that has been very familiar to change in the last few years. The battle may seem like a miss-match with India having had a brilliant run in the Champions Trophy, while West Indies couldn’t even make it to the tournament due to their poor ICC ranking in ODIs.

Since the inception of ODI tournaments, which dates back to the mid-1970s, across genders, West Indies never failed to make it to a single one of them until the Champions Trophy that ended a few days ago. For a team that used to dictate terms before the 1990s, it should come across as a major embarrassment of stooping to a rank that would not ideally precede their reputation. However, they can’t ask for a better opportunity than this. They are set to play one of the strongest limited overs teams in world cricket, in 5 ODIs, at home. Winning the series will make the team believe that they still belong among the big boys and needn’t lurk in their shadows.

Having talked about how West Indies have dipped in the format, they can never be written off in limited overs matches. They may not have the likes of the Bravos, Gayle, Pollard and the experienced lot, but talent has never been an issue in the Caribbean. There are many young players who are looking to make their mark at the big stage. They are being led by Jason Holder who has captained the side for a while now, and is at the helm of rebuilding a strong team and repairing the reputation.

India, on the other hand, will be without a coach after Anil Kumble decided to step down from the post. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, two prime faces in the Indian setup have been rested for this tour. Captain, Virat Kohli was clear about the fact that they wanted to give Rohit ample rest before major tours, later this year. In spite of these two not being a part of the squad, India can field a far superior team than the hosts. Ajinkya Rahane should slot into the opener’s slot to pair with the in-form Dhawan. One of Umesh Yadav or Mohammed Shami should take Bumrah’s place in the pace attack.

The Indian spinners could find some respite on the West Indian pitches. They struggled during the Champions Trophy in England, on flat pitches. The surfaces here should provide some grip to them along with turn. India’s pace attack has looked quite penetrative and has tested some formidable batting line-ups in the recent past. They will be raring to go all out against the relatively inexperienced West Indian batsmen. The hosts’ squad has just two players with ODI tons. Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni have each, played more ODIs than the whole West Indian squad put together. While the battle may seem in India’s favour on paper, West Indies will rely on fearless cricket as their youngsters have nothing to lose or no baggage to carry.

Stage:

Queens Park Oval, Trinidad & Tobago

India have a mixed record at Queens Park Oval. They have won eight and lost nine games here. However, one of India’s 400-plus total came at this venue, against Bermuda in the 2007 world cup. The average first innings score since 2000 is 238 and 62.5% of the games have been won by teams batting first over here. Traditionally the pitch hasn’t been quick over here and will assist spinners as play goes on.

Acts:

Shikhar Dhawan vs Alzarri Joseph

Very few may have heard of Alzarri Joseph, the lanky and tall Windies speedster. He made a name for himself in West Indies’ title-winning U-19 world cup campaign in 2016 and was drafted into the West Indies side soon after. Dhawan has been in prime form and has handled pace pretty well of late. This will be a battle to watch out for early on, in India’s innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin vs Roston Chase

Chase will enjoy playing against India, having hit his maiden Test ton against them last year. He hasn’t been too effective in ODIs yet, but will get his chance this time around. Chase handled Ashwin with sensibility when the spinner was on top of his game in West Indies last year. He plays spin well, but his ability to attack spin will be tested.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis scored a match-winning century against India in a T20I in Florida, last year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar wasn’t a part of that playing XI, and is in piping hot form now. His bowling is equally dangerous at the top and at the death. He will test the attacking southpaw with some swing early on in the opener’s innings.