By Sean Devers
Today, West Indies put their pride on the line when they take on India in the first of three CG United One Day Internationals (ODI) powered by YES BANK at the Kensington Oval from 9:30hrs.
West Indies have made several changes to the side that failed miserably in the World Cup qualifiers for what will be their first ODI series since that disastrous trip to Zimbabwe.

This will be the 50th ODI at the Kensington Oval; West Indies’ very first Test venue.
The last time the two sides met there, India beat West Indies by seven wickets in 2002 despite an unbeaten 76 from Skipper Carl Hooper and 44 from fellow Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan.

The last ODI fixture at the venue resulted in a loss for the home size to New Zealand with their last win coming against the same team in the first of the three-match fixture.
West Indies and India have played each other 139 times in ODIs with India winning 70 and losing 63; two of those ending in ties and four in no-results.

This record means that the Rohit Sharma-led team should start as favourites in the three-match series which culminates on August 01 in Trinidad.
The last eight times these two teams met in ODIs, India were victorious in every game.

It was rainy on Tuesday, but yesterday the heat was almost unbearable; today’s forecast has rain on the cards.
The outfield looks good despite the recent ‘Crop Over’ concerts held on ground with the track expected to be good for batting and a bit of bounce on offer.
According to the head curator, the pitch had some grass but it was rolled into the surface which suggests that 300 could be scored if any team bats well.

The selectors have recalled Shimron Hetmyer and fast bowler Oshane Thomas. Fast bowler Jayden Seales and leg-spinner Yannic Cariah have been included following their rehabilitation from surgery while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie is also included, having recovered from injury.

The West Indies welcomed the return of Hetmyer, one of their most talented but temperamental batters, who played the last of his 47 ODIs almost two years ago.
This is the 26-year-old’s best format in which he has five tons and four fifties but unfortunately for the home team, the talented Nicholas Pooran, who played with some success in Zimbabwe is now unavailable, as is the experienced Jason Holder.

All-rounder Kemo Paul is still injured while Shamarh Brooks, Royton Chase and Johnson Charles have been rested from the side which played in the qualifiers.
A lot will rest on Captain Shai Hope, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Vice-Captain Rovman Powell, Alick Athanaze and Hetmyer with the bat.

West Indies could go with three quicks in Oshane Thomas, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales or one of the fast bowlers could make way for all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Off-spinning all-rounder Sinclair and Motie are the spin options on offer.
India, who played their first ODI against the West Indies in 1979, started their Caribbean tour with a one-nil win in the Test series; rain on the final day in Trinidad possibly saving West Indies from a two-nil defeat.

These ODIs could be important for India ahead of the Asia Cup before they host the World Cup in October/November considering India lost their previous ODI series against Australia by 1-2 just before the IPL.

At 36, Sharma returned to form in the Test series, which could give India a solid start while young guns, Ishan Kishan, and Shubman Gill, along with Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson could spearhead the batting while Ravindra Jadeja is also set to play today.