India vs West Indies ODI Series: Gill to Lead, Rahul Likely Vice-Captain
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Sep 15, 2026
- 199
The Indian cricket team is expected to undergo an important selection exercise ahead of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with the squad likely to be announced on September 16.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI selection committee are expected to finalise the squad, with Shubman Gill likely to retain the captaincy. KL Rahul is emerging as the leading candidate for vice-captain after regular ODI deputy Shreyas Iyer became unavailable because of his commitments at the Asian Games 2026.
The first ODI between India and the West Indies is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
Shreyas Iyer's Absence Opens Door for KL Rahul
According to a PTI report, Shreyas Iyer is expected to miss the ODI series as he prepares to lead India's T20 side at the Asian Games in Japan.
His absence creates a vacancy in India's ODI leadership group. KL Rahul is considered a strong option because of his extensive experience in 50-over cricket and his ability to perform both as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper.
Rahul's versatility could give the Indian team greater flexibility during the series.
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel in Wicketkeeper Race
The wicketkeeper selection is expected to be another major talking point for the selectors.
With Ishan Kishan involved in India's Asian Games squad, the selectors are likely to consider another wicketkeeping option for the West Indies ODIs. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel are reportedly the main contenders.
A BCCI source indicated that one of the two could be included in the ODI squad. The final decision may also involve the views of captain Shubman Gill and the head coach.
Jurel has already demonstrated his leadership credentials by captaining India A during the Sri Lanka tour.
Pant's Selection Could Affect Irani Cup Plans
The ODI selection could also influence the composition of the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup.
If Pant does not make the ODI squad, he could be considered for the Rest of India captaincy. However, if Pant is selected for the West Indies series, Jurel could take responsibility for leading the Rest of India side.
This makes the September 16 selection meeting particularly significant for both wicketkeeping and leadership decisions.
Mohammed Siraj Likely to Return to ODI Team
The pace-bowling department appears to offer fewer selection complications.
Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnur Brar and Prince Yadav are understood to be fit and available for selection.
Siraj's return to India's ODI setup is considered highly likely. His experience in international cricket could strengthen India's fast-bowling unit against the West Indies.
Ajit Agarkar's Future Also Under Focus
The September 16 meeting could have significance beyond India's ODI squad.
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Ajit Agarkar's current contract as chief selector is due to expire on October 4, making this potentially his final selection meeting under the existing tenure.
There is speculation that the BCCI could extend Agarkar's contract by another year. However, the board has not officially confirmed any decision regarding his future.
The upcoming meeting will therefore be closely watched, both for India's squad announcement and for indications about the next phase of the selection committee.
India vs West Indies ODI Series Schedule
The three-match ODI series is set to begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. With Gill expected to lead and Rahul potentially taking over as vice-captain, the series could provide an important opportunity for India to assess its ODI combination ahead of future international assignments.
The final squad announcement on September 16 is expected to clarify the captaincy, wicketkeeping and pace-bowling combinations.
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