West Indies vs India ODIs: Why it’s time for Ishan Kishan as keeper-batsman in playing XI

By India Today Sports Desk: India will begin their final leg of preparations for the ODI World Cup at home in a 3-match series against West Indies in West Indies from July 27. Barbados and Trinidad will host the 3 ODIs between the Asian giants and the former powerhouse of world cricket, who are set to miss the World Cup for the first time in their history.

India are unlikely to be tested hard by the West Indies side, which has been on the decline, but the 3-match series will give them an opportunity to find solutions and work toward settling in on combinations in the lead-up to the World Cup. India will play 3 ODIs against the West Indies, 3 against Australia and the Asia Cup before they head into the World Cup at home.

India will look to use the 3-match ODI series against the Shai Hope-led West Indies as an opportunity to zero in on back-ups amid injury concerns to their star players. Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant have all been on the sidelines due to injuries and the first three are likely to be available for India's World Cup campaign, provided they recover in time and are match-fit during the showpiece event.