Archive · 25 Sep 2026
India Weighs Gaikwad, Jaiswal, Nabi Debut Ahead of ODI
India is choosing its team for the first ODI against the West Indies.
The main question is who will bat at number four.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently the favorite for that position.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another possible choice.
Gaikwad has already filled the role when Shreyas Iyer was unavailable.
India could change the batting order to give Jaiswal a chance.
However, Virat Kohli is expected to bat at number three.
KL Rahul is likely to keep wicket, so Dhruv Jurel may not play his first ODI yet.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is favored for India’s vacant number-four position against the West Indies.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is also competing for the spot after previously scoring an ODI century.
Gaikwad previously batted at number four during Shreyas Iyer’s absence against South Africa.
India could promote Shubman Gill to give Jaiswal an opportunity, though Virat Kohli is expected at number three.
KL Rahul is expected to remain India’s first-choice wicket-keeper, leaving Dhruv Jurel waiting for his ODI debut.
- Who
- India’s likely selection includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel.
- What
- India is deciding its likely XI and the number-four batter for the first ODI against the West Indies; the headline also indicates a possible Nabi debut.
- When
- Ahead of the first ODI against the West Indies; no specific date is given.
- Where
- The first ODI against the West Indies; the venue is not specified.
- Why
- The number-four position is open, while India is also deciding whether to give Jaiswal or Nabi an opportunity.
Gaikwad Selection
Jaiswal Opportunity
Number-four batting position
Gaikwad Selection
Ruturaj Gaikwad is favored because he previously batted at number four during Shreyas Iyer’s absence against South Africa.
Jaiswal Opportunity
Yashasvi Jaiswal is also a candidate and scored a century the last time he played an ODI innings.
Batting-order flexibility
Gaikwad Selection
With Virat Kohli expected at number three, the article says Gaikwad is more likely to start the series.
Jaiswal Opportunity
India could demote Shubman Gill to give Jaiswal game time, although the article says this possibility is less likely.
Wicket-keeper selection
Gaikwad Selection
KL Rahul is expected to retain his role as India’s first-choice wicket-keeper.
Jaiswal Opportunity
Dhruv Jurel could receive his maiden ODI cap only if the selection changes, but he is currently expected to wait.
- Match
- First ODI between India and the West Indies
- Open position
- Number four
- Favorite for number four
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Alternative
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Expected number three
- Virat Kohli
- Expected wicket-keeper
- KL Rahul
- Potential debutants
- Nabi is indicated in the headline as set to debut; Dhruv Jurel is waiting for his maiden ODI cap