India won the toss and chose to bowl first against the West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Naman Dhir received his international debut cap, while Mohammed Siraj was not included in India’s playing XI.Key HighlightsNaman Dhir is making his ODI debut for India.India chose to bowl first after winning the toss.The match is being played in Thiruvananthapuram.Dhir enters the team after a strong run in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 competition.Naman Dhir Gets His First ODI CapNaman Dhir has received his first international cap for India in the opening ODI against the West Indies. His selection comes after a strong domestic T20 run.Dhir was the leading run-scorer in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 competition. He scored 655 runs at a strike rate of 217.61, according to IANS. His performances helped him earn a place in India's ODI squad.The 30-year-old all-rounder has also played in the Indian Premier League. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives India another option in the middle order.His ODI debut comes as India continue to build their team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.India Choose to Bowl FirstIndia captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to field first. The decision means the West Indies will bat first at the Greenfield International Stadium.The match is the first of a three-match ODI series. The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, while the third match is scheduled for October 3 in New Chandigarh.India's squad includes experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit and Kohli are returning to ODI cricket after their previous international appearances in this format.Mohammed Siraj Misses OutMohammed Siraj was part of India's ODI squad for the series but was not included in the playing XI for the first match.India have several bowling options available. The team also includes Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.The decision gives other players an opportunity to contribute in the opening game of the series.Focus on the 2027 World CupThe three-match series is also part of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.India are using the ODI series to test different player combinations and build a strong squad for the future. Several regular players are currently involved with India's Asian Games campaign, which has also opened opportunities for new players.For Naman Dhir, the match is an important moment in his career. His strong domestic form has now earned him a place in India's ODI team.With India choosing to bowl first, the opening phase of the match will give the Indian bowlers an early chance to put pressure on the West Indies batting side.The first ODI began at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, with India looking to start the three-match series with a strong performance.Also Read : Shubman Gill Fit for First ODI Against West Indies After Elbow Blow, Confirms Sitanshu Kotak
