Cricket
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return as India Gather in Thiruvananthapuram… Why Nitish Reddy Was Pulled From Asian Games
The Shubman Gill-led Indian ODI squad will assemble by September 24 ahead of the three-match series against the West Indies, with several senior players returning and two newcomers receiving maiden call-ups.
The Indian ODI squad will assemble in Thiruvananthapuram by Thursday, September 24, as preparations begin for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies.
A group of players is expected to reach the Kerala capital on Wednesday night, while the remaining members will join the camp a day later. The opening ODI will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium on September 27.
Led by Shubman Gill, the 15-member squad features the much-awaited return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain and is expected to take the wicketkeeping gloves.
The West Indies squad, captained by Shai Hope, has already arrived in India and is expected to begin its preparations shortly.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action
The series will bring two of India’s most experienced ODI batters back into the international spotlight. Rohit and Kohli remain central to India’s plans in the 50-over format, and their presence will add stability to a squad missing several regular players.
The matches will also give the senior pair valuable competitive cricket before India’s more demanding ODI assignments.
Another significant return is that of Ravindra Jadeja, who was omitted from India’s ODI fixtures following the series against New Zealand earlier this year.
Jadeja’s inclusion gives Gill an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder and strengthens a middle order that otherwise contains several players still trying to establish themselves at the international level.
Asian Games create opportunities for new faces
Several first-choice white-ball players—including Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel—are currently in Japan on Asian Games duty.
Their absence has opened the door for players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and Naman Dhir.
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi and Punjab all-rounder Naman Dhir have received their maiden ODI call-ups. Their selections underline the team management’s attempt to test its bench strength while the regular squad is divided between two major assignments.
Nabi adds a fresh pace-bowling option alongside Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar, while Dhir offers flexibility as a batting all-rounder.
Why Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn from Asian Games
One of the most closely watched players in the series will be Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The young seam-bowling all-rounder was initially selected for the Asian Games squad, but the selectors later withdrew him and moved him into the ODI group. With Hardik Pandya unavailable, the management wants Reddy to receive more game time and gradually increase his bowling workload.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed the importance of Reddy bowling regularly at the international level. He also indicated that India could eventually field Reddy and Pandya together, depending on the conditions and balance required.
“We could even go on to play both of them in the playing eleven,” Gambhir said while discussing India’s future all-round options.
The decision appears to be part of a longer-term plan, particularly with India expected to play in conditions where a pace-bowling all-rounder can become crucial.
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Important series for KL Rahul
The three matches could also help KL Rahul strengthen his position as India’s preferred ODI wicketkeeper-batter.
India has explored other options, including Ishan Kishan, but Rahul’s consistency, adaptability and experience continue to make him an important part of the 50-over side. His ability to bat in the middle order and manage difficult situations could also prove valuable in future overseas assignments.
Rahul has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru ahead of the series.
Dhruv Jurel is the second wicketkeeping option in the squad, giving the team management an opportunity to assess another player while Kishan remains with the Asian Games contingent.
India vs West Indies ODI schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First ODI | September 27 | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Second ODI | September 30 | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| Third ODI | October 3 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh |
The three matches are scheduled to begin at 2 pm IST.
India ODI squad
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Naman Dhir.
West Indies ODI squad
Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Jayden Seales.
With established stars returning and newcomers receiving an opportunity, the series carries more significance than a routine bilateral contest. It will allow India to assess its depth, examine new combinations and give Gill another chance to shape the ODI side under his leadership.
