IND vs WI: Ishan Kishan confirmed to open alongside Rohit Sharma in 1st ODI

 Wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has been asked to open the batting along with Rohit Sharma in the first ODI against West Indies. With all the other choices unavailable, India is left with no other option but to go ahead with Ishan Kishan.

KL Rahul is unavailable for the first match, as he is reportedly attending his sister's wedding. Some players from the squad, including Shikhar Dhawan and Ruturaj Gaikwad- who could have opened the innings, have tested positive. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad after the outbreak of the virus, but he too is under quarantine that will end on the match day.

In a press conference, Rohit Sharma said, "Ishan Kishan will open the innings with me. He is the only option we are left with. Mayank Agarwal was added to the squad but, he is still in quarantine according to the rules that’ve been set."

Rohit Sharma is all set to lead the team for the first time as the full-time captain. He had to sit out of the team during the South Africa tour after suffering from a hamstring injury. This will be India's 1000th ODI appearance, making them the only team to achieve this feat. The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 6th of February.

Apart from Dhawan and Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and Navdeep Saini have also tested positive. Ishan Kishan can be seen in the next two matches even if KL Rahul returns to the playing XI. The southpaw can be slotted in the middle order.