Jadeja misses the 1st ODI vs West Indies, BCCI explains in a post

Ravindra Jadeja will not play in the first two One-Day Internationals against the West Indies, which begin on Friday (July 22). Jadeja, who was selected vice-captain for the three-match ODI series, has a right knee ailment, according to the BCCI. In Jadeja’s absence, Shreyas Iyer has been promoted to vice-captaincy.

Also Read: Watch: Jadeja takes sliding catch to dismiss Jos Buttler off Hardik Pandya

The team’s top all-rounder is at risk of missing the entire ODI series. As the World Cup gets closer, he may instead be rested as a preventative measure.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya vs Liam Livingstone: How the new-age rivalry panned out in India vs England

Earlier in the day, West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran won the toss and decided to bowl first. While Kyle Mayers made a comeback to the XI, Jason Holder, who had rested against Bangladesh, was ruled out with Covid-19. Keemo Paul lost his spot in the starting lineup to Romario Shepherd. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were passed over in favour of Shubman Gill, who was supposed to partner Dhawan at the top of the order. Along with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur was one of three seamers who were selected for the team.

KL Rahul, who is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has tested COVID-positive and is unlikely to play in the five-game T20I series, according to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. Recently, Rahul underwent groin surgery in Germany. He returned to the NCA following the successful completion of the surgery, and he has been posting images about his rehab regimen on social media. According to information, Kuldeep Yadav and Rahul were scheduled to take a test at the NCA on Friday. Kuldeep Yadav was also conditionally selected, subject to achieving full fitness. 

Also Read: KL Rahul COVID positive: How it changes India’s team combination vs West Indies

India playing XI:

Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Hooda, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk),  Shubman Gill, Axar Patel.

West Indies playing XI:

Nicholas Pooran (capt), Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales,  Rovman Powell, Shai Hope (wk), Shamarh Brooks.