India will be hosting the West Indies for three ODIs and three T20Is in September-October 2026. The West Indies had previously visited India for two tests this year and now will play a white-ball series. The first ODI will be played in Trivandrum on September 27; the second ODI will be played on September 30 in Guwahati, and the third ODI on October 3 in New Chandigarh.
There were huge expectations from the India selectors that they would give a chance to some big-name players in the ODIs, given that many of the first-choice players will be in Japan for the Asian Games 2026. However, we look at three Indian players who missed out on selection for West Indies ODIs.
Here are the 3 Indian players who are missing in the ODI squad for the IND vs. WI series:
3. Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami, who recently played 100 first-class matches, was in discussion for selection for the Indian team. Many experts thought that India needed an experienced pacer for West Indies ODIs, and Shami was one name. Shami last played for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and has 206 wickets in 108 ODIs. However, he has not been on the radar of selectors due to his age (36 years) and his poor track record in fitness in the last few years.
2. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, the ace India all-rounder, was also a major name missing, given that he is set to make his comeback to action for India A in ODIs against Australia A in Puducherry. Hardik Pandya has been out of action since IPL 2026 due to a back issue. He was to play in the Afghanistan ODI series but suffered another injury. The BCCI selectors want to check his fitness and ability to bowl the full quota of 10 overs in Australia. A one-day series before bringing him back into the Indian team.
1. Rishabh Pant
With Ishan Kishan away with the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026, there was a spot open for second wicketkeeper in the Indian ODI squad. The race was between Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel to be as backup to KL Rahul. Pant last played an ODI for India in 2024 and has been out of contention for white-ball Indian teams for sometime now. While he is one of the best in Tests for India, his ODI and T20I numbers are not impressive; hence, the selectors have not gone for him for Windies ODIs.
