The BCCI selection committee is expected to announce the Indian squads on Monday for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies. The ODI leg begins on September 27. At the same time, another Indian team will be competing at the Asian Games in Japan. This overlap has created a tricky situation for the selectors.
Several key players are likely to miss the West Indies ODIs because they will be in Japan. Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh are all part of the Asian Games squad. However, if Bumrah ends up not playing in the Asian Games, he will be available for the West Indies series. That decision is still pending.
With Shreyas Iyer away, the selectors are reportedly looking at Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement. Gaikwad last played for India in December 2025 against South Africa. He scored a century in that match but still lost his place due to stiff competition. Since then, he has been a regular member of the India ‘A’ team. He is set to captain India ‘A’ in the upcoming unofficial ODI series against Australia ‘A’.
There is also talk that Rishabh Pant could return to the ODI squad. Reports suggest the selectors are considering him as a backup wicketkeeper option for KL Rahul. Pant has been out of the ODI side for a while, so his potential return would be a notable development.
The first ODI against the West Indies is on September 27. The Asian Games quarter-final is on September 28. The second ODI is on September 30, followed by the Asian Games semi-final on October 1. October 3 is the busiest day, with the third ODI and the Asian Games gold and bronze medal matches all taking place at the same time.
Asian Games and West Indies ODIs Create Rare Cricket Overlap for India
The 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the home ODI series against the West Indies will create an unusual situation for Indian cricket. For a short period, two Indian teams will be playing at the same time in different parts of the world. This has happened before, but it is still rare. Three years ago, a T20 team captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad was in China for the Asian Games while the ODI team was preparing for the World Cup at home.
This time, the first ODI against the West Indies is on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. India’s first T20I match at the Asian Games, a quarterfinal, is on September 28 in Aichi-Nagoya. The second ODI in Guwahati is on September 30, followed by the Asian Games semi-final on October 1. October 3 is even busier, with the third ODI and the Asian Games gold and bronze medal matches all scheduled for the same day. Since India are strong contenders, they are expected to be playing in one of those medal matches.
These overlapping tournaments give the national selectors a chance to test different players in the ODI series. It is also good preparation for next year’s World Cup. The T20 team captained by Shreyas Iyer includes six players who were part of the last ODI team that toured the UK. These are Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer himself. Next week, the selectors will pick the ODI squad for the West Indies series.
According to Cricbuzz, the selectors may consider Rishabh Pant to replace Ishan Kishan. Pant could be the second wicketkeeper option after KL Rahul, though he may face competition from Dhruv Jurel. Ruturaj Gaikwad could replace Shreyas Iyer in the ODI squad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to get a chance. Mohammed Siraj and Mayank Yadav could also find a place in the team.
For the bowling attack, experienced Ravindra Jadeja could replace Axar Patel. Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Yadav, or Ashok Sharma could replace Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. They could form the pace attack alongside Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar, and Prince Yadav. Hardik Pandya may also return for this ODI series. While some star players will be missing, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the team. Shubman Gill, the captain of the ODI and Test teams, will also be there.
FAQs
Q. When does India’s ODI series against West Indies begin?
A. The first ODI is on September 27.
Q. Which Indian players could miss the West Indies ODIs?
A. Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh could miss the series.
Q. Who could replace Shreyas Iyer in the ODI squad?
A. Ruturaj Gaikwad could replace him.
Q. Could Rishabh Pant return to the ODI squad?
A. Yes, Rishabh Pant is being considered as a backup wicketkeeper.
Q. Who will captain India’s ODI team?
A. Shubman Gill is expected to captain the ODI team.
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