India vs West Indies ODIs: Watch out for these 3 Indian players | Cricket News

After winning the two-Test series 1-0 against West Indies, Team India’s focus now shifts to the three-match ODI series with the team management looking to zero in on the final squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup. From now on till the ODI World Cup, favourites and hosts India will be playing a maximum of 12 ODIs – 3 in Windies 6 in the Asia Cup (provided India reach the final) and 3 against Australia at home just before the quadrennial event. Though the Windies are currently not at their best and also failed to qualify for the ICC ODI World Cup, they can still give India a tough fight in their own den.

The Indian squad for the ODIs in the Caribbean also features some raw talent, who will be itching to prove they belong on the big stage.
TimesofIndia.com here takes a look at three Indian cricketers who you need to watch out for in the upcoming 3-match ODI series, starting July 27:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Right hand batter)
Gaikwad, a highly talented batter earned a place in both the Test and ODI squads for the tour of the Caribbean. Gaikwad, who has played 1 ODI and 9 T20Is for India till date, earned his maiden Test call up for this tour but didn’t get a chance to make debut in the longer format of the game.
His performances while opening for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL 2023 campaign were remarkable. In the 16th edition of the league, Gaikwad scored a total of 590 runs in 16 matches, boasting an impressive average of 42.14 at a remarkable strike rate of 147.50.
A stylish right-handed batter, Gaikwad is widely recognised for his fluent stroke play and impeccable timing. His performances in domestic and IPL cricket have caught the attention of selectors and cricket enthusiasts alike. He was also named as one of India’s stand-by players for the WTC Final, but he chose to opt out due to his wedding commitments.
Despite his young age, Gaikwad has displayed an extraordinary level of composure and maturity on the field. Cricket experts have praised his ability to handle pressure situations with ease. Some believe that he might be groomed by CSK to take over the reins from MS Dhoni as the next captain of the team. His batting style is a unique blend of aggression and the ability to anchor an innings when required, making him a versatile asset to the team.
It will be interesting to see which position Gaikwad plays in if he is picked in the playing XI since the opening combination of skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill won’t be tinkered with.
Ruturaj Gaikwad in ODIs: Matches: 1; Runs – 19; SR – 45.23

(Getty Images)
Hardik Pandya (Batting all-rounder)
Pandya’s return to action in the ODI series against the West Indies marks his first appearance since IPL 2023. As the Indian vice-captain, his presence is vital to the team’s preparations leading up to the World Cup 2023. With a packed schedule ahead, the all-rounder is expected to play a crucial role in India’s campaign.
The West Indies series will serve as a significant test of Pandya’s fitness levels, given the importance of having him in peak form as an all-rounder for the upcoming ODI World Cup later this year in India. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds immense value to the team’s overall performance and adds to the overall depth of the playing XI.
Indeed, given India’s lack of pace bowling all-rounders, Pandya’s fitness and availability are crucial for the team’s success. While he did bowl regularly in the IPL, the challenge of bowling 10 overs in ODIs, which are longer and more demanding matches, will be a bigger one.
Pandya has been managing his workload effectively since his return to the side last year. This cautious approach is to ensure that he can contribute consistently without risking any potential injuries or burnout. It is essential for the team management to strike a balance between his batting and bowling responsibilities, especially considering his importance as an all-rounder.
In major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, India will heavily rely on Hardik to provide significant contributions with both bat and ball. This means he may need to bowl around 6-7 overs regularly in these matches. The team’s success could hinge on his ability to handle this workload effectively while maintaining peak performance.
Hardik Pandya in ODIs:
Batting: Matches: 74; Runs: 1584; SR: 112.02; HS: 92*;
Bowling: Matches: 74; Wickets: 72; Best: 4/24; ER: 5.61

(Getty Images)
Umran Malik (Fast bowler)
Pacer Malik’s raw pace has caught the attention of everyone, and he now has another opportunity to showcase his talent during the ODI series against the West Indies. This chance comes at a crucial time, as he has an opportunity to impress the selectors ahead of the ODI World Cup.
Despite a poor IPL season, Malik has the chance to demonstrate that he has worked on improving his game and added reliability to his raw pace. Consistency and reliability are vital traits for a fast bowler, and if he can display these qualities during the West Indies ODIs, it will significantly strengthen his case for selection in the national team for the upcoming World Cup.
The ODI series will be a challenging test for Malik, but it also presents a fantastic platform for him to prove his worth on the international stage. The selectors will closely monitor his performances and assess how well he has developed as a bowler despite his lacklustre performance in IPL 2023 for SRH.
Malik has played eight ODIs so far, picking 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.45 and at an average of 27.30. While the tearaway fast from J&K has shown promise with his ability to pick wickets in the eight ODIs he has played so far, his economy rate is on the higher side. It’s essential for him to address this concern and focus on bowling more economically during the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.
Consistency is the key for any bowler, and keeping a check on his economy rate will be crucial for Malik to strengthen his case for a spot in the ODI World Cup squad. While taking wickets is important, giving away too many runs can put pressure on the team and nullify the impact of his wicket-taking abilities.
Umran Malik in ODIs: Matches: 8; Wickets: 13; Best: 3/57; ER: 6.45