Team India started the ODI series against West Indies in a grand fashion as they thrashed the visitors by 6 wickets in the first game at Ahmedabad on Sunday (February 6).

Opting to bowl, the hosts bowled out the West Indies for a paltry 176 in 43.5 overs. It was a listless batting performance from the Caribbean side as no one except for Jason Holder (57) managed to touch the 30-run mark.

For India, the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal (4-49) and Washington Sundar (3-30) were the wrecker-in-chief with the ball. The fast bowling pair of Prasidh Krishna (2-29) and Mohammed Siraj (1-26) also returned with impressive figures.

In reply, the Men in Blue rode on skipper Rohit Sharma’s 51-ball 60 and contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (34*), Ishan Kishan (28) and debutant Deepak Hooda (26*) to overhaul the target with 132 balls to spare.

Speaking after the game, captain Rohit expressed his delight on a clinical outing and said they ticked all boxes as a team.

“I don't believe in perfect game. You cannot be perfect. We want to keep getting better. All in all a great effort from everyone. We ticked all boxes. Pretty happy with that,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“With that bat we could've finished with not so many wickets, that is one. Could also have created pressure on their lower order. Don't want to take any credit away. The way we bowled upfront and then towards the back end was good to see. We want to keep getting better as a team. The end goal is we should be able to achieve what the team wants. If the team requires us to do something different, have to do it. Don't think we have to change a lot. All I ask from players is to keep challenging themselves,” he added.

The Indian captain was also pleased with his batting performance on his comeback from a hamstring injury.

“I've been off for a while, haven't played for two months but I was back home hitting the balls. Knew there was a long season ahead. Had a good net session here. I was confident going into this game. Can take a lot of positives from this game. The pitch had something in it. There was softness in the pitch early on. In this particular game the toss became important. But honestly want to take the toss away from the play, don't want to depend on it a lot. But if you do, you have to take advantage,” he stated.

The second ODI is due to be held at the same venue on Wednesday (February 9).

(With Cricbuzz inputs)