Starting off the five-match ODI series, India will play at home against the West Indies on October 8, 2014 with an eye for the preparations for 2015 World Cup.
The day/night match starts at 2.30. p.m. local time at Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
India will be in much happier position against the Caribbean side, mainly because the records show a five series victory against the guests.
The hosts should be a comfortable zone, given that the West Indies side is already dealing with the loss of their main spinner Sunil Narine with suspect on his bowling action.
Also missing from the guest squad will be Chris Gayle, which can make things tough with the runs.
The match will be offered live in India by Star Sports, while SuperSport will telecast in South Africa.
Sky Sports will offer live telecast in UK, Willow TV in USA and Canada, and Ten Sports in the Caribbean.
Watch the live action of the 1st ODI through live streaming on Star Sports official website here or HERE.
The bigger concern for both teams will be the unexpected weather, which can be full of thunderstorms in the afternoon, leaving the fans and players in equal frustration.
Considering the World Cup, India will take this series as a ground for preparation for defending the title well. Technically, the Dhoni-led India squad are well balanced, with the bowlers doing rather well.
However, team India’s main concern will be their vice captain Virat Kolhi as slump doesn’t seem to move away. In terms of changes, injured Rohit Sharma has been replaced with Murali Vijay.
This brings us to weather Murali Vijay or Rahane will open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan. Kohli has the best time to get back in form, but in case he misses, dependable names like Suresh Raina, and Ambati Rayudu are around.
As for the bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav are likely to take the big wickets, while there are trusted names like Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami as well. Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja will check for spin.
On the other side, many West Indian players know the Indian weather and have played IPL and CLT20. How Dwayne Bravo replaces Darren Sammy as the skipper and gets away from the bad record must be seen.