India hopes to continue their predominance as they take on West Indies today in Kochi. The weather looks uncertain as rain looms over the one-dayer. This series shall serve as a preparatory one for India and the Indian team is expected to gain momentum, especially ahead of their Australian tour and World cup thereafter.
Dhoni may try out a few of his options and it will also be an opportunity for the star player Virat Kohli to get few runs under his belt. Kohli has had a series of failures in England, scoring merely 54 runs in 4 games. But the flat Indian pitches could provide ample chance to Kohli which he is believed to gladly accept and do justice to.
In the first game, Vijay may miss out, and Rahane is most likely to open with Shikhar Dhawan. Kohli, in-form Raina, Rayadu and Dhoni will make up the middle order. Jadeja will bat at No. 7 and shall be the fifth bowling option. Kuldeep Yadav will miss out and Mishra is expected to get the go ahead as front line spinner as his leg spin shall come in handy for the team. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami have their places secured in the team. Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav are in for a fight for the place of the 3 seamer though with his extra pace, Yadav might just get the cut.
West Indies is certain to miss the services of their star opener Gayle and mystery bowler Narine. Simmons and Dwayne Smith are likely to pair up as openers. Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Pollard, Samuels and Ramdin will comprise the middle order. All-rounders Russell and Sammy may find it difficult to fit in. It is unclear whether Benn would be able to reach in time for game. In that case, West Indies will be compelled to go with four frontline seamers, that is, Jason Holder, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor.
