India vs West Indies Prediction & Match Preview – 1st ODI, Thiruvananthapuram

India begin a three-match home ODI series against West Indies at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday 27 September, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Shubman Gill leads India and enters the series in good form, having been India’s leading run-scorer in their recent ODI series against England. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return, now concentrating on ODI cricket. KL Rahul provides stability and keeps wicket, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Naman Dhir are further options. Ravindra Jadeja is the key all-rounder, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Auqib Nabi adding balance. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the pace attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja in the middle overs, and Gurnoor Brar keeps his place.

West Indies are captained by Shai Hope, who also keeps wicket. Keacy Carty and John Campbell are expected to open, with Sherfane Rutherford adding power and experience of Indian conditions, and young talent Jewel Andrew one to watch. Roston Chase, Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul are all-round options. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales lead the pace, with Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie and Vitel Lawes in support.

A score of around 275 or more should be competitive, and 290 would put the batting side in a strong position.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Greenfield International Stadium is generally balanced, with good pace and bounce early for seamers. Batters can score freely once set, but the surface can slow and bring spinners and slower variations into play. Coastal humidity can help the new ball move a little. Dew in the evening can make chasing easier, which is one reason the toss-winning captain might choose to bowl.

Weather

Warm and humid, at about 31–33°C at the 1:30 pm local start, partly to mostly sunny. A passing shower cannot be fully ruled out, but the chance of rain in the early afternoon is relatively low. Moderate winds may ease the humidity.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 240–270
• 2nd innings: 270–300