India look to continue dominance in ODIs against Windies

After thrashing the West Indies in the Test series, India would look to continue their domination over the Caribbean side when the two teams clash in the opening match of One-Day cricket series at Barabati Stadium here on Tuesday.

India are a dominant force in the 50-over format and the world champions would aim for no less than a 5-0 whitewash, which they had inflicted on a strong England side recently.

With Mahendra Singh Dhoni getting the much-needed rest ahead of the gruelling tour of Australia, Virender Sehwag will lead the side and he will be seen in action in this format for the first time since the memorable World Cup win on April 2.

Having missed out on the One-day series in England because of hearing problem, Sehwag returned in the just-concluded Test series with his sparkling form intact even as a big score eluded him.

The 33-year-old Delhi player has led the side in seven matches, winning four of them, though he is yet to get a half-century as a captain with 44 as his best score.

When Sehwag last captained India in place of Dhoni, the side had chased down Sri Lanka's 316 in Kolkata in 2009.

Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma will form the three pillars of the Indian middle order and with the trio in fine form, the hosts can be assured of a good show from them.

Raina, who turned 25 on Sunday, is among runs having scored his personal best of unbeaten 204 against Punjab in a Ranji Trophy match recently.

The stylish southpaw who has centuries in all the three formats will look to make it count with an in-form Kohli.