The West Indies series represents a crucial building block for India’s ODI squad structure ahead of next year's World Cup.
India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies is all set to kick-off on Sunday (September 27) at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ahead of the series opener, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves to fill the vacant No. 4 batting spot over Yashasvi Jaiswal. The position opened up because regular No. 4, Shreyas Iyer, is currently in Japan leading India at the Asian Games.
Chopra highlighted that Gaikwad was unfairly sidelined despite scoring a century in his last outing and proving his versatility by performing well even when batting out of his usual opening slot.
"For number four, I think it should be Gaikwad. I don't know what the team is thinking. I will go with Gaikwad. It was not right, as he scored a hundred the last time he played and he has done well. He was forgotten after that, as Shreyas is your default. But when there is an opportunity, he should play. He has played off position in the past as well and done well," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Notably, left-handed opener Jaiswal was left out of India's 15-man squad for series against England in July despite him scoring a match-winning 110* against Afghanistan in his last ODI appearance.
Jaiswal played the Afghanistan series as a replacement for Virat Kohli, who had a hamstring injury. Once Kohli was fit again, he returned to the squad. Established openers like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and retained their spots in the squad while Jaiswal faced the axe again, prompting concerns about the southpaw’s future ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
With some of India’s key ODI players currently unavailable due to the Asian Games commitments, Jaiswal has again been drafted into the lineup for the West Indies series.
However, Chopra suggested that India should stick with their established opening combination of Rohit and Gill, leaving Jaiswal to wait on the sidelines rather than forcing a shuffle at the top.
"Should they play Gaikwad or Jaiswal? This is an opportunity open as Shreyas Iyer is not there. Axar Patel is also not here. I think either of the two can get an opportunity in the middle order. Logically, both should not play at No.4 as they are top-order batters. But if you want to make place for Jaiswal at the top, Gill must come at three, Kohli at four, but that is not going to happen. Gill and Rohit will open. There is no need for change at the top," he remarked.
The West Indies series represents a crucial building block for India’s ODI squad structure ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Africa next year.
After the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram, the two will teams will travel to Guwahati for the second ODI on September 30 while the series finale will be held in New Chandigarh on October 3.