With bilateral ODIs fighting for context, India's fringe players to battle against West Indies

Shikhar Dhawan leads the team in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning here on Friday. Ben Stokes' surprise announcement from ODIs has fuelled the growing debate on hectic international scheduling, especially bilateral cricket. The premier English all-rounder made it clear that playing all three formats regularly is not sustainable anymore. Sandwiched between Tests and T20Is, ODI cricket has been jostling for space for a while now.

West Indies came to India for three ODIs and as many T20s in February and the two teams meet again for a total of eight limited overs games (five T20Is). In a T20 World Cup year, ODIs anyway assume less significance but players who will be getting the opportunity in the absence of senior players would be eager to make an impact. Dhawan, who plays only the ODI format, will lead India for the second time in his career with regular captain Rohit Sharma rested from the series. Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli have also been rested. The England series showed that it is tough for anyone who doesn't play at the highest level regularly. Dhawan, who is known for his consistency, looked far from his best.

Read AlsoTeam India's flight to West Indies costs BCCI Rs 3.5 crore

The BCCI spent around Rs 3.5 crore on booking a chartered flight for Team India to reach the West Indies - where they'll play three ODIs and five T20Is against the hosts - from England, a source has revealed to TOI.

It will be interesting to see who opens alongside Dhawan in the series-opener. Shubman Gill has been brought back into the team. He and Dhawan make a left-hand right-hand combination but the others in the squad who could open include Ishan Kishan and