West Indies are set to face India in a three-match ODI series, with the opening game scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The series will be an important test for Daren Sammy’s side as they look to assess their progress against one of the strongest teams in world cricket.

The teams will then travel to Guwahati for the second ODI on September 30 before the series concludes in New Chandigarh on October 3. West Indies will enter the contest with plenty to prove after falling short of automatic qualification for the next ODI World Cup.

Daren Sammy highlights the challenge of facing India

Sammy believes playing India in their own conditions will give West Indies a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against the world’s top-ranked ODI team. The coach sees the series as an important test of how far his side have progressed in the format. West Indies have not won an ODI series in India for 24 years, and Sammy acknowledged the significance of trying to change that record.

He believes the upcoming matches can show the team exactly where it stands in one-day cricket. The West Indies coach also pointed to the progress made during the ODI qualification cycle. His side fell six points short of automatic qualification but made significant ground after initially being well behind in the standings.

West Indies focus on building towards ODI qualifiers

The India series will also allow Sammy to continue developing his squad ahead of the qualifiers next year. West Indies are scheduled to play the qualifiers in February, with qualification for the 2027 World Cup now the team’s primary objective in the format. Sammy wants the players to continue gaining experience in different roles and believes the upcoming matches can help the coaching staff identify the best combinations.

The series will also provide opportunities for players to perform against high-quality opposition before the qualification campaign begins. The batting department has shown encouraging signs during the recent qualification cycle. Shai Hope and Keacy Carty have formed an important partnership, while several other players have also produced centuries to give the team greater depth in the batting order.

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Alzarri Joseph returns as young players get opportunities

West Indies will have Alzarri Joseph back in the ODI setup after he played a key role in Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ CPL title-winning campaign. His return adds experience to a bowling attack that will face a strong Indian batting lineup. Young wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew has also been included and is expected to get an opportunity during the series. John Campbell returns to the squad after missing the final two ODIs against New Zealand because of a hamstring injury.

Jewel Andrew replaces Akeem August, who is recovering after surgery, while Shimron Hetmyer has been rested for the ODI leg. Hetmyer is expected to join the squad for the five-match T20I series that follows the ODIs. The India tour will then move into the T20I leg, with the five matches scheduled to be played in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru from October 6 to 17.

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