KEY PLAYERS

As India take on West Indies in the opening ODI at the Port-of-Spain, here’s a look at the key players:

INDIA Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan will be key to India’s success in the Caribbean. The batsman was the highest run-getter in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy as well and had a great run in IPL.

Virat Kohli

Although the Indian skipper had been suffering from a lean patch since the Australian series, he played to his credentials in the Champions Trophy and remained a vital cog in the top-order.

Bhuvneshar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar had been part of two Tests the last time India toured West Indies and had taken six wickets. Also, he’s in a decent form of late.

Mohammed Shami

Although he did not feature in any game in Champions Trophy, it shouldn’t stay that way for Shami who was the highest wicket-taker in WI in 2016.

Hardik Pandya

He’s already proved himself as a vital all-rounder for his side and might come handy in the Caribbean conditions where the ball comes on to the bat quickly.

WEST INDIES Jason Holder

The 25-year-old is the most experienced campaigner in the side and has been pretty consistent since his debut. He’s steady with the bat and is a decent fast bowler.

Shai Hope

He’s one of the only two batsmen in the side to have an average of more than 30 and that in itself speaks of the amount of responsibility that he has to shoulder.

Jason Mohammed

He’s featured in just 11 ODIs but averages 33.11 in the format with an impressive strike rate of 89.39. However, he had a horrible outing against Afghanistan.

Evin Lewis

Apart from Hope, Lewis is the only other batsman in the squad who has a century to his name. His average of 40.27 is also pretty moderate.

Devendra Bishoo

Senior Windies eg-spinner Bishoo will have to lead the charge from the front as far as the Windies bowling attack will be concerned.