IND vs WI: Reason why KL Rahul will miss the first ODI in Ahmedabad

Team India will be embarking on their home season with the ODI series against the West Indies from February 6 in Ahmedabad. The selectors announced a strong 18-man squad for the series last month while also stating that vice-captain KL Rahul will be available only from the second ODI of the three-match series. Many reckoned he was being rested a little bit more having just returned from the hectic South Africa tour.

However, it has been understood that KL Rahul will miss the first ODI in order to attend his sister’s wedding. There were chances of him being recalled to the squad to play the series opener after three players – Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer – tested positive for COVID-19. But with Rahul busy in his sister’s wedding, it has been confirmed now that he will only be available from the second ODI.

ESPNCricinfo reported the exact reason for the 29-year-old missing the first of the three-match while the date of his sister’s wedding is not yet known. Having said that, the fact that KL Rahul will be available for the second ODI to be played on February 9, he is expected to join team India by Sunday (February 6) to complete mandatory isolation period of three days.

India have only 5 batters available from original squad

Following a COVID breakout in the Indian camp, the hosts are now only left with five batters from the original squad announced. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and allrounder Deepak Hooda might walk into the playing XI now. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad late on Wednesday (February 2) night and he is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Given the scarcity of batters available, even he could play the opening One-Day and open the innings alongside skipper Rohit. This is a good chance for Deepak Hooda who is more or less while Washington Sundar is also likely to get a game as he can bat well at number seven after showing his skills on Australia tour.