'4-5 century toh pakka for India' - Fans react as West Indies announce squad for three-match ODI series against India 

West Indies (Source: Twitter)

The two-match Test series ended with India winning 1-0 after rain interrupted on Day 5 and forced the second Test to end in a draw. The focus now shifts to the 50-over format as India and West Indies now lock horns in the three-match ODI series. Meanwhile, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced their squad for the series, which begins on July 27.

West Indies have brought back Shimron Hetmyer to bolster the middle order and add the finishing touch to their innings. Fast bowler Oshane Thomas has also returned to the ODI format to further sharpen the pace attack. Meanwhile, notable names like Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder were missing from the 15-man squad as they were unavailable for selection.

“We welcome Oshane and Shimron back into the group. Both have played at the international level before, with some success, and we believe they will fit well into the set-up," said West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes.

"Oshane brings pace and is a potential wicket-taker with the new ball. Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot, especially in the middle stage of the innings and he is also a potential ‘finisher’," he added.

With Barbados set to host the first two ODIs, West Indies will look to start fresh after being knocked out of the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers. India, on the other hand, will be aiming for total dominance as this is crucial preparation for the Men in Blue ahead of the upcoming major tournaments - Asia Cup and World Cup.

ODI squads of West Indies and India 

West Indies: Shai Hope (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas

India: India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

Here's how fans reacted as West Indies announced their squad for the ODI series against India:

Good to see hetmeyer This time please Check all the Flights and trains available there..

— Ashish Nehra (Parody) (@sunnehra) July 25, 2023

4-5 century toh pakka

— Shankar bag (@Shankarbag20) July 25, 2023

Pooran is busy playing MLC league for MI Capetown 😇😇

— hahaha (@720_sai) July 25, 2023

This team looks even weaker than the qualifier team

— 000 (@jungligilahri) July 25, 2023

Worst squad ... One sided win for India 🇮🇳 boring cricket loading...😮‍💨

— Triyambak777 (@triyambak777) July 25, 2023

What about Pooran ? Glad that hetmeyer is back

— Rajasheker Reddi (@reddirajasheker) July 25, 2023

Nicolas Pooran, Andre Russell, Even Luis this names they should add in their squad, West Indies should think about "International Matches as First priority "

— Team India 🇮🇳 (@krirapremi) July 25, 2023

Anyway we are winning 3-0. The team that loses to associate nation. How can they defeat India. One more useless series.

— Voice Of the Nation (@VoiceOftheNati5) July 25, 2023

Cancel this and arrange one odi series with Netherlands

— primeOp (@unny9715) July 25, 2023