India’s three-match ODI series against West Indies will begin on September 27, 2026, followed by a five-match T20I series from October 6. The ODI series will be played at the same time as the Asian Games in Japan, which are scheduled from September 24 to October 3.

The clash has raised questions over India’s decision to send several key players to the Asian Games while also hosting the West Indies for an important ODI series.

How can Yashasvi Jaiswal be included in India's playing XI vs WI?

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal should bat at No. 4 against West Indies. India will be without a few regular players, including Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishan Kishan, who are part of the Asian Games squad.

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Kaif believes India can use the series to give Jaiswal experience in the middle order, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the innings and Virat Kohli coming in at No. 3.

He also suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad could bat at No. 5, followed by KL Rahul at No. 6 and Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Kuldeep Yadav could then make up the lower middle order before the fast bowlers.

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Jaiswal has played six ODIs for India and has scored 285 runs at an average of 71.25 and a strike rate of 97.60. He has two ODI centuries to his name, against South Africa and Afghanistan.

The left-hander made his ODI debut against England on February 6, 2025, while his most recent appearance came against Afghanistan on June 17, 2026.

Kaif questioned BCCI's Asian Games squad decision

Kaif also questioned India’s decision to send its strongest available squad to the Asian Games when the West Indies ODI series is taking place at the same time.

He pointed out that several other countries have opted to send younger teams to the Asian Games, giving their emerging players an opportunity to gain experience.

Kaif acknowledged that winning gold at the Asian Games is important but questioned whether India should have prioritised the event over the ODI series, especially with the next World Cup approaching.

India's ODI squad for the West Indies series

Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir