IND vs WI ODIs | 'Playing India in their backyard is always a challenge...': Shai Hope

Shai Hope (Pic: File Pic)

The West Indies will take on Team India in the three-match ODI series. The first clash is scheduled to be played on September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

Ahead of the series, the West Indies' skipper Shai Hope sees it as a challenge to play against the "Men in Blue" in their own backyard.

"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," he said in the pre-match press conference.

The skipper then said that his team always look to play against the best team in international cricket.

"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," said Hope.

With this, both teams will prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. The global tournament is set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Earlier, a grand ceremony in Johannesburg unveiled the 12 venues that will host next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, with eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia's capital Windhoek selected as tournament locations.

The second clash is scheduled to be played on September 30 at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Maharaja Yadvindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh will host the third clash on October 3.

IND vs WI ODIs: Full squads

India: Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul [VC], Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.

West Indies: Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, John Campbell, Shai Hope (C) (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Ami Jangoo (WK), Keacy Carty, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Jewel Andrew (WK), Shamar Joseph, Vitel Orlando Lawes.

(With PTI Inputs)