India weigh selection options ahead of West Indies ODI opener

India held a practice session in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the first of three one-day internationals against the West Indies, scheduled for September 27, as the team weighs its options for a series affected by player absences during the Asian Games. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad were seen talking during the training session, but India’s opening lineup has not been confirmed. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The reports describe Gaikwad as a possible choice for the number four position, while Auqib Nabi could be in line for his first India appearance in an ODI. Those selections remain predictions; no announced playing XI was included in the available information. India’s squad has been affected by the overlap with the Asian Games in Japan. Reports identify vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as unavailable for the ODI series because of their commitments at the Games. Another account also lists Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, though the reports differ on the scope of the absences. India’s confirmed availability list was not provided.