The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies at home, starting on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. Veteran Indian batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included, while Punjab and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Naman Dhir has received his maiden call-up to the senior national team.
Both players retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup but continue to play a key role in India’s ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup. The standout talking point of the squad announcement is the inclusion of 26-year-old batting all-rounder Naman Dhir. Explosive Form: Dhir delivered a flurry of belligerent knocks in state competitions, highlighted by a staggering 173 off 64 deliveries in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. IPL & India ‘A’ Pedigree: A consistent middle-order match-winner for Mumbai Indians with a strike rate hovering above 164, Dhir translated that attacking momentum into List A and India ‘A’ setups.
Shubman Gill will captain the team while KL Rahul is vice-captain. The selectors have mixed proven ODI names with several younger options after several regular white-ball players were kept back for Asian Games duty in Japan. The selection committee’s decision to include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli adds experience and stability to India’s top order. Dhir has enjoyed a meteoric domestic rise, turning heads with his clean striking, finishing ability, and handy off-spin. All-Round Utility: Dhir offers the team management a dynamic right-handed floater in the middle-to-lower order capable of bowling useful overs of off-break spin. Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi has been named in the pace group alongside Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar. Dhruv Jurel is the backup wicketkeeper to Rahul. Rishabh Pant has been given Rest of India leadership for the Irani Cup instead. Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn from the Asian Games squad so he can play the ODIs.
