India vs West Indies 1st ODI Preview & Tips - Gill to lead India past the West Indies

By Ben Darvill

25 Sep 2026

Ben Darvill 25 Sep 2026

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India host the West Indies in three ODI's
Shubman Gill is averaging 93.50 for India in ODI's in 2026
Preview, stats & head to head

Shubman Gill of India (Getty Images)

India vs West Indies 1st ODI Preview & Tips
Head To Head
India Form
West Indies Form

India vs West Indies 1st ODI Preview & Tips

India return to ODI duty for the first time since their frustrating 2-1 loss to England across July.

The West Indies slumped to a 3-2 series defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their last ODI outings back in July.

The Windies have lost eight of their last 10 in the 50 over game (W2)

Head To Head

India have secured wins in nine of their last 10 ODI's against the Windies, with the latter winning once back in 2023.

India Form

India may arrive for their series against the Windies on the back of six wins in 10 ODI's, but they have not been convincing of late, with the side beaten by four wickets and 27 runs in their last two matches against England.

Their only ODI win over their opponents saw them chase down England's score of 258 with six wickets and 28 deliveries to spare. However, they posted a dismal 233 in the second ODI before failing to chase down England's mammoth 387/3 in the third ODI. Batting power was missing in the final two matches as they failed to keep up with their hosts.

Their clash with the Windies will see the likes of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul all looking to go big with the bat, but it is the former that will likely catch the eye. Gill averages 60.34 in ODI's across his career, while he boasts 93.50 in 2026 after scores of 56, 56, 23, 84 not out, 154, 80 not out, 31 and 77.

Gill is able to weave together innings that showcase more classic shots along with the ability to bludgeon the ball over the field for maximums. He will more than likely prove a thorn in the side of the tourists, and I predict he will start as he means to go on as he adds to his average of 66.20 against the Windies in the 50 over game.

West Indies Form

The West Indies arrive for one of the biggest tests in cricket on the back of a woeful run that has seen the side lose eight of their last 10 in the ODI format.

Their woes have not been confined to the ODI game, with four defeats in their last six across formats a worrying tally. Shai Hope will lead his side into this one hoping to better their recent run, but they will find an opponent that will give them little to work with.

Against India, the Windies have lost their last nine, while their last ODI win when omitting their triumph in 2023 came back in 2019. The travelling side will arrive with some decent players with bat and ball, but they will not beat a home team that is crammed full of world class talent.

Verdict

India v West Indies 1st ODI

I am backing India to easily beat the Windies as Shubman Gill continues to score runs for his side.

India

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