KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav in focus after India win in 1,000th ODI

Top-order batsman and wrist spinner have a point to prove as hosts prepare for second one-dayer in Ahmedabad

Indian batsman KL Rahul warms up during a training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on Monday, February 7, 2022. AFP

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav during a training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. AFP

Indian pacer Navdeep Saini, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, during a training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium. AFP

KL Rahul prepares to take a catch during a training session. AFP

KL Rahul attempts to take a catch during training. AFP

KL Rahul throws a ball during a training session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. AFP

KL Rahul, left, and Washington Sundar during training at the Narendra Modi Stadium. AFP

Washington Sundar trains at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. AFP

Navdeep Saini stretches during a training session. AFP

India ticked off a few boxes during their landmark 1,000th ODI, defeating the West Indies by six wickets in the first game of the three-match series in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma started his tenure as full-time ODI captain with a match-winning fifty, while spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar picked up seven wickets between them.

Sharma's decision to bowl was vindicated by the two spinners as the hosts bowled out the West Indies for 176.

The skipper's top-scoring 60 then helped India ease home in just 28 overs.

"I don't believe in a perfect game. We want to keep getting better as a team and, all in all, it was a great effort from everyone," Rohit, who took over as white-ball captain from Virat Kohli, said after the win.

"Honestly, I don't think we need to change a whole lot. All I will ask of the players is to challenge yourself and be innovative."

India's Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates the dismissal of West Indies' captain Kieron Pollard during the first ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 6, 2022. AFP

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal picked up four wickets in the first ODI against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. AP

Yuzvendra Chahal is congratulated by Virat Kohli after taking a wicket against the West Indies on Sunday. AP

Off-spinner Washington Sundar, left, after the dismissal of West Indies' Brandon King at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. AFP

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, right, dismissed West Indies' Jason Holder. AFP

West Indies' Jason Holder scored a fighting fifty. AP

India captain Rohit Sharma scored a match-winning fifty in the first ODI. AP

Ishan Kishan opened the innings for India. AFP

Debutant Deepak Hooda remained unbeaten in the chase. AFP

Leg-spinner Chahal returned figures of 4-49, including the key wicket of skipper Kieron Pollard first ball, to rattle the West Indies batters.

Off-spinner Sundar (3-30) also provided excellent control, improving his chances of becoming a regular fixture in white-ball cricket as he is more than handy with the bat as well.

The West Indies had slipped to 79-7 before Jason Holder hit 57 to salvage some dignity for the visitors.

The second ODI is at the same venue on Wednesday and the Indians have a few personnel issues to sort out.

First, batsman KL Rahul joined the squad after the missing the first match due to personal commitments. Whether he opens the innings or plays in the middle order will show which path the team intends to take in the long run. The men in blue have struggled to reinforce their middle order and Rahul seems the best option, even though he has opened in the recent past.

Rahul will have a point to prove after his captaincy in red and white-ball cricket fell well short of expectations during the series defeats in Australia.

Also in the spotlight will be left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has the full backing of new captain Sharma but is has been out of the side for a long time.

If he returns, it would see India going back to the tried-and-tested combination of Chahal and Yadav, which proved to be a success in the middle overs for a considerable period before both lost form and the confidence of the team management. However, the spinner is making a comeback after knee surgery that kept him out for four months.