5 Indian players who can cash-in their opportunity against Windies in ODIs 

Dominating the Test series completely and white-washing the opposition by 2-0, India would be hoping for something similar coming to the ODIs. But, the Windies line-up looks far from anything scary against the mighty Indian squad. The only thing that interests everyone is to see how some of the players will pounce on this opportunity to seal their place in the side, especially for the World Cup 2019.

There have been few changes to the team that played in Asia Cup. Kohli is back to business with Shami and Umesh Yadav. Pant earns a maiden ODI call-up after some impressive innings in Test matches.

All these players have a point to prove before the World Cup arrives. Let us look at the players who can make this series count for themselves and get into the World Cup squad next year.

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#1 Ravindra Jadeja

There is no doubt that in recent months we have seen Jadeja 2.0 in the field. He has a much more mature head now and knows his responsibilities in the team very well. After his axing from the limited-overs side in 2017, Jadeja has shown some great performances and has come back strongly. In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he was drafted in after an injury to Hardik Pandya ruled him out of the tournament.

He rose to the occasion and contributed with the ball to earn the Man of the Match award against Bangladesh. His performance was arguably one of the highlights of the tournament for the Indian team.

With his inclusion in the ODI team against Windies, Jadeja would be eager to cement his position in the team given the fact that now Hardik Pandya will be available and there would be a competition between the two.

#2 Rishabh Pant

Good opportunity for Pant to cement his place in ODI team

Currently, the most exciting cricketer in the Indian squad right now Rishabh Pant has shown his clean hitting ability to the world in the few Tests that he has played. A left-handed middle order wicket-keeper batsmen that can take on any bowling attack to the parks fearlessly is what this Indian team required in limited overs given that now the services of Dhoni will be coming to end soon.

Pant has been drafted in more as a batsman than a keeper in the team and we could expect him to take up the role of a finisher that was previously helmed by Dhoni. He has been in a good form recently and can make a statement for himself with a couple of good knocks under his belt and could be considered in the World Cup squad ahead of Dinesh Karthik.

#3 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav is back in the ODI side

Umesh Yadav is back in the blues after a disappointing England series earlier this year courtesy an injury to Shardul Thakur. He is expected to feature in the playing eleven as there is no presence of Bhuvi and Bumrah in the side.

Umesh had a pretty good season in IPL 2018 and in the Test matches played so far. But it is his performance in the limited overs format for India that has been a real concern. With all those pace and energy he is not proving to be a lethal bowler in white-ball cricket what he actually should have been.

However, this is probably his last chance to prove himself before the big tournament as once Bhuvi-Bumrah are back, they would be considered first ahead of him. Therefore, he has to come good in whatever limited chances are provided to him in the remaining matches.

#4 Mohammed Shami

Shami has been called back to the ODI side

Last played an ODI a year ago against Australia, Mohammed Shami has been called into this Indian side courtesy his recent performances in the Test matches against South Africa, England and Windies. He has been performing we in Tests matches and hence the selectors have decided to look at him once again.

Shami though has been a regular feature in the Test side is struggling to find his way back into the limited overs side due to the bowling duo of Bhuvi-Bumrah who have been nothing less than exceptional in recent times.

Therefore, Shami would be hoping for a good series against the Windies as he has competition not only from Bhuvi and Bumrah but also from the likes of Umesh Yadav and the young Khaleel Ahmed who was the most impressive bowler for India in the Asia Cup 2018.

#5 Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu will look to cement his place before World Cup 2019

If there's one player who can solve that middle-muddle problem for India, then it is Ambati Rayudu. He has been in an incredible form since IPL 2018 and has performed exceptionally whenever got an opportunity.

He can open the batting, can bat at No.3 or anywhere in the middle and can also finish the innings for the team. Barring his yo-yo test problems, India can find no excuse to keep him out of the team.

With Rayudu in the middle-order alongside Dhoni, Hardik and Pant, India looks a very solid team now. It is now up to the Indian team management to give him an adequate opportunity to settle in the middle order for the rest of the ODIs.

He made a comeback in the Asia Cup 2018 and played brilliantly in all the matches. With India struggling with their middle-order, Rayudu can bring the much-needed stability to the side.