India will begin their three-match ODI series against West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27. The match is important for both teams as they continue preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with India aiming to rebuild consistency and West Indies looking to strengthen their qualification campaign.
The match will be played as a day-night fixture, with the first innings scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM and the second innings from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
This series marks another important stage in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. India have not had their strongest possible side available consistently in recent ODI series, and this contest gives senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli an opportunity to regain rhythm in the 50-over format.
India are also without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, while several players are involved with the Asian Games setup. That makes team balance a major talking point. Shubman Gill will lead the side and will be expected to manage a combination of experienced batters, developing all-rounders and relatively inexperienced bowlers.
For West Indies, the series is significant because they face a difficult route towards the 2027 World Cup. The Caribbean side will need to go through the World Cup Qualifier, making every ODI valuable for building confidence and improving their overall structure. West Indies have not won a bilateral ODI series against India since 2006, and they have not won an ODI series in India against the hosts since 2002.
India vs West Indies 1st ODI Details
- Match: India vs West Indies, 1st ODI
- Series: West Indies tour of India
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM local time / 2:00 PM IST
- Toss: 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
IND vs WI Live Streaming Info
For the most reliable online option, Indian viewers should use JioHotstar, Pakistani viewers should check Tapmad, and fans in North America should use Willow TV.- India: Live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
- Pakistan: Available on Tapmad and selected local sports channels.
- USA and Canada: Live on Willow TV and the Willow app.
- UK and Ireland: Live on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Go and NOW.
- Caribbean: Live on ESPN and ESPN digital platforms.
- Australia: Live on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.
- South Africa and Africa: Live on SuperSport Cricket and the SuperSport app.
The SL vs ENG 1st ODI match will be live on Star Sports.
Live Score Info:
India vs West Indies 1st ODI 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.Pitch Report
The Greenfield International Stadium has produced contrasting ODI matches. The surface initially helped seam bowlers during India’s 2018 meeting with West Indies, when the visitors were dismissed for 104. However, India produced a dominant batting display against Sri Lanka in 2023, scoring 390 for five.
The pitch generally offers good bounce and carry once the initial movement disappears. Fast bowlers could receive some assistance with the new ball, especially if there is cloud cover, but batters should find stroke-making easier after settling at the crease. Spinners are likely to become important during the middle overs, particularly if the pitch slows down.
A first-innings score of around 280 to 300 should be competitive. Dew could arrive during the evening session and may make chasing easier. The team winning the toss may prefer to field first, although the decision will depend on the amount of grass and moisture visible on the pitch.
Weather Update
The weather forecast suggests warm and humid conditions in Thiruvananthapuram. There is a possibility of a passing shower, but the rain threat is not currently expected to cause a major interruption. Afternoon temperatures may remain around 31–32°C, with high humidity throughout the match.
The chance of rain is higher around the morning period and decreases during the afternoon. Both teams should nevertheless keep an eye on the weather because even a short shower could affect the toss, powerplay overs and the use of the DLS method.
Recent Form and Momentum
India’s last five completed ODI results, from most recent to oldest, are listed as L-L-W-W-W. The result shows that India have experienced some inconsistency, but their overall batting quality and home advantage remain major strengths.
The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds experience to an Indian top order already led by Shubman Gill. India have also maintained a strong scoring rate in recent ODI cricket, while their top three have been one of the most productive combinations in the format since the last World Cup.
West Indies enter the match with a W-L-L-L-W record in their last five completed ODIs. They won only two of their six ODIs in 2026 before this series and recently lost a five-match ODI series against New Zealand by 3-2.
Their batting has promise, particularly through captain Shai Hope and Keacy Carty, but the team has struggled against quality spin. West Indies have averaged only 28.09 against spin since the end of the last World Cup, which makes Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav particularly important threats in this match.
Head-to-Head Record
India and West Indies have played 142 ODIs against each other.
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India wins: 72
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West Indies wins: 64
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Ties: 2
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No results: 4
India have also dominated the recent rivalry, winning nine of the last ten ODI meetings. The last five completed matches between the sides were:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| August 1, 2023 | India won by 200 runs |
| July 29, 2023 | West Indies won by six wickets |
| July 27, 2023 | India won by five wickets |
| July 27, 2022 | India won by 119 runs |
| July 24, 2022 | India won by three runs |
The overall record gives India the advantage, but West Indies have enough pace and power to make the contest competitive if their top order survives the new ball.
India Team Analysis
India’s biggest strength is their top-order batting. Rohit Sharma brings aggressive power in the first ten overs, while Shubman Gill has been one of India’s most reliable ODI batters. Virat Kohli’s record against West Indies is exceptional, and he is only 59 runs short of 15,000 ODI runs. His ability to control the innings and accelerate later could be decisive.
Ruturaj Gaikwad provides another technically sound option, while KL Rahul offers stability and wicketkeeping experience. Ravindra Jadeja remains valuable because he can contribute in all three departments. Kuldeep Yadav’s variation in the middle overs could trouble West Indies’ right-hand-heavy batting order.
India’s main concern is the absence of Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. The bowling attack lacks its most dependable strike bowler, and Nitish Kumar Reddy may be required to bowl a substantial number of overs. The lower middle order could also be tested if West Indies take early wickets.
Key players for India: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.
India Probable Playing XI
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
West Indies Team Analysis
West Indies will rely heavily on Shai Hope, who has been their most consistent ODI batter. Hope combines patience with the ability to score quickly once he is established. John Campbell’s return gives the side a more experienced opening option, while Keacy Carty has shown promise in the middle order.
Roston Chase and Justin Greaves provide all-round ability, while Matthew Forde can contribute with both the bat and ball. The pace attack has variety through Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph. Alzarri’s pace and experience make him the biggest threat to India’s top order.
Gudakesh Motie could play a major role if the surface offers grip. His accuracy in the middle overs may help West Indies control India’s scoring rate. However, the visitors must improve their batting against spin and avoid losing several wickets during the middle phase.
Sherfane Rutherford is expected to miss the opening ODI because of a personal matter, which weakens the middle order. West Indies will need strong contributions from Hope, Carty and Chase to compensate for his absence.
Key players for West Indies: Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keacy Carty, Matthew Forde and John Campbell.
West Indies Probable Playing XI
Probable XI: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Vitel Lawes
Players to Watch
Virat Kohli will attract most of the attention because of his outstanding ODI record against West Indies and his approaching 15,000-run milestone. His previous performances at this venue also make him a major threat.
Shubman Gill will be under pressure to lead from the front after taking over the captaincy. He has the technique to handle the new ball and the range to dominate the middle overs.
For West Indies, Shai Hope is the key batter. If he can bat deep into the innings, the visitors have enough power around him to post a challenging total. Alzarri Joseph’s opening spell will also be crucial because early wickets could expose India’s less experienced lower order.
India start as clear favourites because of their superior head-to-head record, stronger top order, home advantage and greater experience in these conditions. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gives the hosts additional stability, while Jadeja and Kuldeep provide a spin combination capable of exploiting West Indies’ weakness against slow bowling.
West Indies can compete if Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales strike early and Shai Hope bats through the innings. However, India have more depth and a better-balanced batting lineup.