India are set to begin their three-match ODI series against the West Indies on Sunday, September 27. With some players unavailable due to their participation in the Asian Games 2026, the Indian team could have a few changes in the batting order, giving opportunities to players who are usually not part of the first-choice combination.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has shared his preferred playing XI for the opening ODI. One of his major suggestions was to move Yashasvi Jaiswal down the order and use him at No. 4, allowing him to get valuable experience in the middle order before eventually taking over as an opener.
Mohammad Kaif backs Yashasvi Jaiswal at No. 4
With Shreyas Iyer away with the Asian Games squad, Kaif believes India can use the opportunity to give Jaiswal some game time in the middle order. He suggested that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should open, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 3. Jaiswal would then come in at No. 4, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul occupying the next two positions. Kaif believes the white-ball format allows India to make such adjustments and give both Jaiswal and Gaikwad opportunities during the series.
“I think you can play Yashasvi Jaiswal at No.4 in this series. After Rohit goes, he will open anyway. You can shuffle in white-ball,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
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Kaif’s India XI for the first ODI
Kaif’s proposed batting order starts with Rohit and Gill, with Virat Kohli following at No. 3. Jaiswal comes in at No. 4, while Ruturaj and Rahul occupy the fifth and sixth spots respectively. Ravindra Jadeja is Kaif’s preferred option at No. 7, followed by all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 8.
Kuldeep Yadav is the specialist spinner at No. 9, with two fast bowlers completing the XI. India have four fast bowlers in their squad for the West Indies ODIs in Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj and Auqib Nabi. Kaif’s comments leave the final two bowling spots open, with India having several options to choose from.
Mohammad Kaif’s India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar.
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