India are all set to face West Indies in the first of the three-match ODI series on Sunday. The fact that this is going to be the men in blue's 1000th one-day game makes it even more special. Besides, their newly-appointed limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma is fit, and back in action.
Moreover, this is going to be his first stint as India's full-time ODI captain. However, his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan won't be featuring in this game as he recently tested positive for COVID-19. Due to this, Mayank Agarwal and Ishan Kishan were added to the Indian team.
However, in what comes as big news, the keeper-batter is all set to open the innings alongside Sharma on Sunday. Although Agarwal is a part of the squad, he is under a three-day quarantine, which is set to end on Sunday. Thus, Kishan is the only option the hosts have.
“Ishan Kishan will open the innings with me. He is the only option we are left with. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad but, he is still in quarantine according to the rules that’ve been set”, said Rohit Sharma during the press conference ahead of the first 50-over game. Thus the former MI player will accompany the "Hitman" at the top of the order in Ahmedabad on February 6.
Alongside Dhawan, even Ruturaj Gaikwad was tested positive for COVID-19 and thus, can't play this game. As for KL Rahul, he is not available for the first 50-over game as too. Shreyas Iyer is another player who got tested positive and hence, won't be able to play the first one-dayer.
Kishan has played 2 ODIs so far. As a matter of fact, he scored a half-century during his first 50-over game against Sri Lanka (59). Thus, the aggressive batter would want to make full use of this opportunity given to him.