India vs West Indies ODI Series 2026: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return as India Begin World Cup Preparations
India vs West Indies ODI Series 2026: Cricket fans are set for an exciting three-match ODI series as India prepare to take on the West Indies at home from September 27. The series has already attracted plenty of attention with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to India’s ODI squad, while Shubman Gill will continue to lead the team.
The upcoming series is particularly important for India as the team begins its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The first ODI will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27.
India vs West Indies 1st ODI: When and Where?
The opening match of the series will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM IST, with the toss taking place shortly before the start. India will enter the contest under the leadership of Shubman Gill, while West Indies will be captained by wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Back in ODI Squad
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the series is the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Both experienced batters have retained their places in India’s 15-member ODI squad after missing the recent period away from the format. Their presence adds considerable experience to an Indian side that is now looking toward the next ODI World Cup cycle.
Rohit and Kohli last featured for India during the ODI series in England, making their return against the West Indies another major storyline for the upcoming matches.
Shubman Gill to Lead Team India
Shubman Gill will continue as India’s ODI captain, with KL Rahul named vice-captain.
The squad also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. Jadeja returns to the ODI setup, while Auqib Nabi and Naman Dhir have received their maiden ODI call-ups.
India’s ODI Squad
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul (Vice-Captain)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Prasidh Krishna
- Gurnoor Brar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Auqib Nabi
- Naman Dhir
West Indies Ready for India Challenge
West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, with the squad featuring experienced names as well as several younger players.
John Campbell returns to the ODI squad, while players such as Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Jayden Seales are also part of the touring group.
West Indies ODI Squad
Shai Hope (Captain), John Campbell, Jewel Andrew, 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.
India vs West Indies ODI Schedule
| Match | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 27, 2026 | 2:00 PM IST | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 2nd ODI | September 30, 2026 | 2:00 PM IST | Guwahati |
| 3rd ODI | October 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM IST | New Chandigarh |
The ODI series will then be followed by a five-match T20I series, beginning October 6.
Why This ODI Series Matters
For India, the West Indies series provides an opportunity to assess the squad well ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will attract much of the attention, but the series also gives selectors an opportunity to look at younger players and new combinations.
Auqib Nabi and Naman Dhir’s inclusion is another important development, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja are also back in the ODI setup.
With three ODIs scheduled across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, the series promises plenty of attention as India begin building toward the next major 50-over tournament.