The West Indies National Cricket Team has suffered a setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against the India National Cricket Team, as the explosive batter Sherfane Rutherford will miss the first match due to a personal matter on Sunday, September 27.
Sherfane Rutherford’s absence may provide Amir Jangoo with a chance to play in the first ODI against India. Additionally, the West Indies team will also welcome back an experienced batter for the challenging ODI series against the Men in Blue. Amid this, Shai Hope is confident the West Indies can challenge India in ODI series.
Sherfane Rutherford to miss 1st ODI against India, Amir Jangoo set for big opportunity
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that Sherfane Rutherford will miss the first ODI against India on Sunday, September 27, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram because of the “personal reason.”
However, the left-handed batter Sherfane Rutherford is expected to join the West Indies National Cricket Team before the second ODI, which is scheduled for September 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Sherfane Rutherford will miss the opening game of the ODI series due to a personal matter. He is expected to join the squad ahead of the second match.
— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) September 26, 2026
In Rutherford’s absence, the left-handed batter and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo is all set to play against India in Thiruvananthapuram. Jangoo had already played nine ODIs for the Caribbean side. Amid this, Dhruv Jurel opens up on his ‘rivalry’ with Rishabh Pant.
John Campbell set for comeback after surgery
Meanwhile, John Campbell is set to return to the top of the batting order after recovering from surgery. Justin Greaves had replaced him in two of the five ODIs against New Zealand in July and could open alongside Campbell on Sunday.
The West Indies will hope their batting unit will deliver against the strong Indian attack, with captain Shai Hope expected to lead the promising lineup in Thiruvananthapuram.
Alzarri Joseph and Daren Sammy’s relationship in the spotlight
Another major talking point ahead of the ODI series is the relationship between fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and head coach Daren Sammy. The two had a public disagreement earlier this year after Joseph did not play in the two-match Test series against Pakistan.
However, Sammy mentioned Joseph at the start of the ODI series in India, saying his return is a big boost for the West Indies side as he is coming after winning the CPL 2026 title.
Joseph has also stressed that he remains focused on his professional duties and representing West Indies, regardless of his relationship with the head coach.
West Indies eye history against India as Daren Sammy targets 2027 World Cup Qualification
West Indies have not won a bilateral ODI series against India since 2006. Their last series win against India on Indian soil came in 2002, and Sammy has already made it clear that they want to script history.
However, the West Indies have a bigger goal beyond the India series, with preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 already becoming important. Every series will give teams an opportunity to strengthen their combinations and cover all areas before the tournament begins next October.
West Indies have an additional challenge, as they will have to go through the World Cup Qualifier for the third consecutive time to secure their place in the main tournament next year.
The India series will therefore provide an important opportunity for the Caribbean side to test its players, improve its combinations, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
