Picture Credit: Twitter
Nicholas Pooran-led West Indies are all set to host Team India for a white-ball series, starting on 22nd of July. The three-match ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I series as both teams will be eager to try out their best combination before T20 World Cup 2022. After veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard retired from the international stage, Pooran was appointed as the West Indies captain in white-ball cricket in April.
As far as the recent form is concerned, the Caribbean nation lost to Bangladesh 0-3 at home recently in the ODIs but managed to win the T20I series 2-0 on the back of brilliant performances from the skipper. Meanwhile, India are coming on the back of comprehensive wins against Ireland and England in limited-overs cricket.
Ahead of the series opener, Pooran admitted that the hosts have a formidable challenge against them as team India is a quality side that has the ability to outplay any opponents in the world. However, Nicholas Pooran didn't forget to mention that a good performance against such an opponent will not only boost their confidence ahead of the world cup but send a message to the world.
"They have millions of players who can come and do that role. They have match-winner with bat and ball, but if our boys come out and able to challenge them, it will send a message across the cricket world. It will be fabulous for us as a group as well," Nicholas Pooran told TOI.
He further claimed that his side is trying to find out the right mindset for ODI cricket and once they get that, 'everything will be fine.' "But now its all about forming a right template for each format. We are looking forward to the series and our aim is to be competitive and play exciting cricket. We will look to put our best foot forward," he added.
Indian selectors have rested the senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah from the 50-over format, but mentioned the full-strength squad for five-match T20Is other than Kohli. In the absence of Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan has been named the captain of the squad for ODIs.