West Indies will play three ODIs and five T20Is on the tour of India.
West Indies captain Shai Hope stated that playing India in their home conditions is a massive test that his squad must embrace.
The two teams will square off in three ODIs and five T20Is, starting September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Addressing the media on the eve of the first ODI, Hope said he wants his players to view this tour as a clear indicator of their current team level.
“Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge. It's one that we definitely need to grasp and embrace. It's a great indicator for us to see where we are as a team,” Hope told reporters.
“But it's something that we always look forward to when you're playing international cricket. You want to play against the best in their home conditions, and you get the real test. So, we're definitely looking forward to it, and it's going to be an exciting one for us,” he added.
Hope has played 14 ODIs in India, amassing 741 runs at a staggering average of 74.1, including three hundreds and as many fifties.
The skipper attributed his exceptional success in India to meticulous preparation, rigorous self-criticism in training, and the ability to adapt his game to unique subcontinental conditions.
“I pride myself a lot on trying to be the best I can be. One of those things, you have to be able to adapt to different conditions, and play against different oppositions. It's not always going to work out. Every day is not going to be your day.
“But I really try to focus on the fine details to give myself the best chance to score runs. Here in India, you're going to play differently as if you're going to in Australia, or even back in the Caribbean. It's just about being very critical with the way you go about your training and preparation.
“That's something I always try to put up there in the team rooms whenever we have our chats and discussions. Hopefully, some of the guys will never be here before, and get a good start to their Indian career. This is one tour you look forward to. When I was younger in my career, it was a tour I was expecting a lot from myself,” he explained.
The Caribbean side has not won an ODI series in India since 2002 under Carl Hooper, and Hope is keen to change that script.
“The harsh reality is that almost every series that we go into, those stats are always at the top of the list. We always say we haven't beaten this team in 20 years or 15 years. It will definitely be adding motivation. We know it's going to be a tough battle, but we're looking forward to this one,” he remarked.
Shai Hope expressed firm confidence in his spin attack featuring Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and young prospect Vitel Lawes ahead of the India series.
“The spinners that we have on this trip…the experience of Ross then and Moti, they have played quite a few games, and they have a big impact for West Indies over the last few years. Obviously, Lawes is coming into the game, like he's been shown what he's capable of at this level.
“So, it's a great indication that he can continue along those lines. But I expect him to keep growing as a left-arm spinner, as a wrist spinner, and he can be an asset for us going forward. We are leaning on them here,” Hope concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)