WI vs IND | 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For in ODIs

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: July 26 2023, 6:57 PM

image-lkjeogsoRohit Sharma will lead India [Twitter]

On Thursday, West Indies and India will cross swords against each other in the first ODI of the three-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados. India showcased their prowess with bat and ball in the recently concluded Test series, securing a thumping 1-0 victory over the hosts. So, while the hosts would be desperate to win their first match of the tour, the visitors would like to sustain their dominance in the 50-over format. 

There are some on-field contests, which will be pivotal to determine the game's outcome. So, as both teams gear up for the first ODI in Barbados, let's analyse and find out five such player battles to watch out for in this match. 


Virat Kohli vs Alzarri Joseph

image-lkjetv0zVirat Kohli has a fabulous record vs WI [Twitter]

Virat Kohli had a couple of outstanding outings in the Test series and will likely play a key role for India in the ODI series. However, the Indian stalwart could find it challenging to face Alzarri Joseph, who has dismissed him thrice in ODIs.

Virat Kohli vs Alzarri Joseph (in ODIs): 68 balls, 78 runs, 3 dismissals


Shimron Hetmyer vs Kuldeep Yadav

Swashbuckling batter Shimron Hetmyer has received a recall to the West Indies ODI lineup after a long time and would be keen to make his mark in the series. The southpaw has a 50-50 record against Kuldeep Yadav, who will shoulder India's spin department in the series. 

Shimron Hetmyer vs Kuldeep Yadav (in ODIs): 72 balls, 82 runs, 3 dismissals


Shai Hope vs Mohammed Siraj

image-lkjev53jShai Hope is Mr Dependable of West Indies team [Twitter]

West Indies captain Shai Hope had a tremendous run in the World Cup qualifiers, amassing 341 runs at a fabulous average of 56.83. However, the stylish right-handed batter has mediocre numbers against Mohammed Siraj, who has dismissed him thrice in ODIs. 

Shai Hope vs Mohammed Siraj: 85 balls, 57 runs, 3 dismissals


Rohit Sharma vs Alzarri Joseph

Indian captain Rohit Sharma was in sublime form in the Tests and would like to replicate similar success in the ODIs. However, the veteran batter has always found it tough to get going against Alzarri Joseph, who has dismissed him three times in ODIs. 

Rohit Sharma vs Alzarri Joseph (in ODIs): 61 balls, 51 runs, 3 dismissals


Kyle Mayers vs Mohammed Siraj

image-lkjewn8xMohammed Siraj will spearhead India's pace attack [Twitter]

Dynamic all-rounder Kyle Mayers has been a force to reckon with the bat for West Indies since his debut. Hailed for his explosive hitting, Mayers is expected to provide the hosts with a rollicking start in the ODI series. However, Mohammed Siraj could be the biggest threat to the left-handed batter, as he has dismissed him three times in white-ball cricket. 

Kyle Mayers vs Mohammed Siraj (ODIs+T20Is): 23 balls, 13 runs, 3 dismissals