Thiruvananthapuram: West Indies is preparing to face a formidable challenge as they head into a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India, which starts this Sunday, September 27. The West Indies has not beaten India in a bilateral ODI series since 2006, and the Indian team has dominated the subsequent 12 series. West Indies skipper Shai Hope acknowledged the uphill battle that lies ahead, emphasizing the motivation to perform against a strong Indian side.

According to International Cricket Council, the West Indies, currently ranked 10th in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, are unable to secure automatic qualification for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. This series against India, who were the runners-up in the previous World Cup and are the reigning ICC Champions Trophy winners, presents an opportunity for the West Indies to test their mettle. Hope expressed the significance of playing against top teams in their home conditions and the adaptability required to succeed in the sub-continental environment.

The West Indies are coming off a 1-1 ICC World Test Championship series draw against Pakistan and a 3-2 loss in their last home ODI series against New Zealand. Despite these recent results, Hope remains optimistic about his team's prospects, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different conditions and focusing on the finer details to enhance their performance in India.

The ODI series schedule includes matches in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, followed by a five-match T20I series in various Indian cities.