India's predicted playing XI for the first ODI against West Indies

Middle-order

Virat Kohli will bat at number 3

While everyone expected skipper Virat Kohli to be rested for this series, the selectors have picked him for the first two ODIs. So, he is certain to walk out to bat at the walk of the first wicket.

With MS Dhoni likely to bat at either number 4 or 5, the remaining sports in the middle order will be a toss-up between Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey and Rishabh Pant. Thanks to his recent heroics, southpaw Rishabh Pant is likely to feature in the XI and bring in some variety in the Indian batting order.

Manish Pandey has been in fine form for India A and didn't get enough chances with the Indian side of late. Rayudu, on the other hand, had a decent Asia Cup 2018 where he did a decent job as he scored two fifties in the tournament.

On current form, Rayudu is better than Manish and is likely to get the nod over the Karnataka batsman.