Three India players who risk being benched for the IND vs WI ODI series

India begin a three-match One-Day International series against West Indies in India on September 27, 2026, and three members of the 15-player squad face the prospect of not featuring in any game.

The series, viewed by selectors as part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, runs across three venues and will see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to ODI cricket while Shubman Gill leads the side. KL Rahul has been named vice-captain and is also expected to take the wicketkeeping role, leaving limited room for changes as India test combinations with several experienced players already in the squad.

Yashasvi Jaiswal could spend the series on the sidelines despite strong early ODI figures; he has scored 285 runs in six ODIs at an average of 71.25. India have established opening options in Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, with Virat Kohli also available among the top order and Ruturaj Gaikwad named as an alternative, which could restrict Jaiswal’s opportunities if the team persists with more experienced openers.

Naman Dhir received his maiden call-up to India’s senior ODI squad after producing 351 runs and taking seven wickets in 14 List A matches, but faces direct competition for an all-round role. The squad already includes Ravindra Jadeja, who offers left-arm spin and batting depth, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is available as a pace-bowling option, making it difficult for Dhir to displace either in the immediate series.

Dhruv Jurel remains a candidate to be left out while KL Rahul is expected to handle wicketkeeping duties; Rahul’s vice-captaincy and status as the main wicketkeeping option reduce the chances for rotation. Jurel has represented India in Tests and T20Is but is yet to make his ODI debut and has compiled 747 runs in 17 List A matches, which may not be sufficient to force a change to the selected keeper for this three-match window.

The three ODIs are scheduled across India: the opener in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026, the second match in Guwahati on September 30 and the final game in New Chandigarh on October 3, giving the selectors three fixtures in which to confirm or alter their chosen combinations.