WI VS IND - 1st ODI, India tour of West Indies, 2023

Till a couple of months back, this series was being touted as good practice for both these teams ahead of the World Cup. But as it turns out, West Indies aren’t even going to be there and judging by the way they played today, this series isn’t going to be very fruitful for the Indian practice as well. But we commentators can never really complain too much about an early finish. Here's to a more even contest in the next game (when somebody else from the team would be covering it)...Bye for now!

Rohit Sharma | India captain: I never thought the pitch would play like that, it was the team's need to bowl first and have a score. The pitch had everything for the seamers and spinners, our guys did well to restrict them to that score. We wanted to give game time to the ODI guys who have come in, we will keep trying those things whenever possible. To restrict them to 115, we knew we could try these guys and give them a go. I don't think they'll get many chances like this. I made my debut for India and was batting at number 7, reminded me of those days. Mukesh was brilliant, he can swing the ball at good pace. Good to see what he can offer, haven't seen him much in domestic cricket. No matter the conditions, we need to bowl in the right areas to restrict them and I thought our bowlers did brilliantly. And then Ishan was good with the bat as well.

Shai Hope | West Indies captain: Not too many words come to mind. We didn't play the way we needed to, we need to find ways to score on difficult pitches like this. I'm not making excuses but anyone watching cricket can see what is happening here. (On Jayden Seales) He is a quality player, somebody we can invest in and I hope he grows from strength to strength. The Indian bowlers did well on this surface, but we didn't bat well.

Kuldeep Yadav | Player of the Match: Perfect, the fast bowlers bowled really well with Mukesh, Shardul and Hardik. Me and Jaddu were brilliant, we hit the right lengths which is what was necessary on this wicket. I'm just focusing on my rhythm, hitting the right lengths and it has been very nice. I thought it will be a seaming paradise, we are happy we got 7 wickets from our side. It was spinning a bit, and there was bounce as well. It's always good to have competition, we just try to work together. When you have a senior like Chahal, it helps you and he gives a lot of advice as well. We enjoy each other's company.

Ninth consecutive win for India against West Indies in ODIs

Winning with most balls to spare despite losing 5+ wkts (50-over ODIs)
180 SL vs Aus Brisbane 2013
163 Ind vs WI Bridgetown 2023 *
162 NZ vs Can Benoni 2003
161 NZ vs Aus Auckland 2015

13:43 Local Time, 17:43 GMT, 23:13 IST: A no-contest, don't let the fact that India won by 5 wickets fool you. Bowling first, Pandya, Shardul and debutant Mukesh Kumar claimed a wicket apiece in the powerplay as the ball was seaming around a bit. Then began the carnage through spin. The wicket was really supporting turn, and Jadeja claimed three quick wickets. Then Kuldeep was introduced and he needed just three overs to skittle out the Windies innings, ending with figures of 4/6. Shai Hope was the only batter who showed some resistance, top-scoring with 43. In reply, India played a bit of Uno reverse with their batting order, as skipper Rohit Sharma came out to bat at number 7, allowing a promotion for Kishan, SKY, Hardik, Jadeja and even Shardul Thakur. Chasing a meagre score, the Indian batters had full license and only Ishan Kishan made the most of that, scoring a fiery 50 as he took on the bowlers. Gill edged one to the slips, and Surya was out LBW. Hardik was unfortunate to be run out and then Shardul was caught out rather comically, but India were in control of the chase all along. Job done within 23 overs, hang around for the presentations now...

Motie to Rohit, FOUR, flat but straighter line. Slog swept towards a vacant deep mid-wicket region for four. India win by 5 wickets and take a 1-0 lead.

Motie to Rohit, no run, tossed up and spins away sharply, gets extra bounce as well. Rohit Sharma beaten!

Motie to Rohit, no run, fired in on off, blocked to extra cover

Motie to Rohit, no run, flat delivery on off stump, pulled into the ground towards mid-wicket

Motie to Rohit, no run, short on off, cut hard but towards extra cover

Cariah to Jadeja, no run, another googly, defended off the backfoot

Cariah to Jadeja, no run, fuller length and googly again. Jadeja gets in line and blocks

Cariah to Jadeja, FOUR, short and wide, cut away in front of square. There is a man at deep backward point and a man at long-off. So there is acres and acres of space in front of square and Jadeja puts it in that pocket for four. Scores are level

Cariah to Jadeja, no run, flighted on the pads, turned to short mid-wicket

Cariah to Jadeja, no run, another googly, spins outside off. Defended to backward point. Jadeja wanted the single but Rohit refuses

Cariah to Jadeja, no run, flat googly, defended from deep in the crease

Motie to Rohit, no run, short delivery that stays straight, cut towards backward point

Motie to Jadeja, 1 run, full outside off, Ravindra Jadeja with a big stride pushes it towards wide mid-off

Motie to Rohit, 1 run, fuller and straighter, turned behind square for a single